Thursday 15 jun 2026 {HMC} Somali federal government has deployed former Puntland regional forces, including units of the Danab Brigade and the Puntland Security Force, to front-line positions in the Sool region, regional officials said Wednesday.
The forces arrived in Las Anod from Garowe and Bosaso and were formally welcomed by Abdikadir Ahmed Ali, known as Firdhiye, president of the Northeastern Regional State. He said the deployment was ordered by the federal government and forms part of Somalia’s national armed forces operating across Puntland and the northeastern regions.
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“These forces are carrying out their national duty to defend the territory of the Northeastern Region,” Firdhiye said, adding that the units have been deployed to the Gumays area, close to defensive positions held by Somaliland and Northeastern forces.
He said the troops include the same units that took part in the 2023 fighting that led to the expulsion of Somaliland forces from much of Sool, and that they are prepared to defend the region again if necessary.
“They are ready to protect Sool and all areas under our administration and to prevent any aggression,” Firdhiye said.
The deployment comes as Somalia’s federal government moves to consolidate its authority in the disputed northern regions, particularly after the formal establishment of the Northeastern Regional State, which encompasses Sool, Sanaag and Cayn and is recognized by Mogadishu.
The security reinforcement also coincides with preparations for a landmark visit by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Las Anod, expected later this week. If the trip goes ahead, Hassan Sheikh would become the first Somali president to visit the city since 1969, when President Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke was assassinated hours after arriving there.
Las Anod was wrested from Somaliland’s control in early 2023 after nearly eight months of intense fighting that left hundreds dead and displaced tens of thousands of civilians. Since then, the area has remained volatile, with both sides maintaining defensive positions along contested lines.
Somaliland, which claims Sool as part of its territory, has not commented on the latest deployment.
Source Hiiraan Online
