Tuesday July 7, 2026
Las Anod (HOL) — Somaliland forces on Monday presented two soldiers and a military vehicle they said had defected from Northeastern State forces, a claim denied by the Northeastern administration’s Dervish Forces Command.
Somaliland officials identified the soldiers as Elmi Mohamed Ali and Muhuyadin Abdi Ahmed. They said the two men escaped from a military unit in the Gumays area and arrived with a military vehicle at a Somaliland forces base in Oog district.
At a welcoming ceremony, Somaliland officers said soldiers who return to Somaliland forces would not be harmed, denying reports that returning troops would face punishment or death.
“You have come home, and we welcome you,” one officer said. “Anyone who returns to the Somaliland forces will be warmly welcomed.”
The two soldiers presented by Somaliland said they were happy with the reception and described their return as coming back to their home and their army.
The Northeastern administration’s Dervish Forces Command rejected the claim, saying no soldiers or military vehicles had defected to Somaliland.
In a statement dated July 6, 2026, the command described reports circulated in the media and on social media as “fake news” spread by Somaliland.
“The Northeastern forces are still in their positions and continue to defend the areas they control,” the command said.
The command urged the public not to believe what it called unfounded reports and said official information should be obtained from the military command.
It also praised Northeastern Dervish forces for what it described as their role in defending security and territory under the administration’s control.
Somaliland and Northeastern forces have repeatedly clashed in Sool region, where Somaliland claims Las Anod as part of its territory. Both sides also hold prisoners captured during fighting in and around Las Anod.
