HARGEISA, (HAN) – Reports emerging from Somaliland indicate that Colonel Hassan Iraqi, the former commander of the Somali National Army’s elite Gorgor Brigade Unit 18, has been taken into custody by authorities in Somaliland.
According to local sources, Colonel Iraqi had been staying in Jigjiga, the capital of Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State, in recent days. His arrest reportedly occurred when he traveled across the border to Wajaale, a bustling commercial town between Ethiopia and Somaliland, for what was described as a private family visit.
The reasons for his detention remain unclear, as Somaliland authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the case. His exact location is also unknown.
Colonel Iraqi previously commanded the Turkish-trained Gorgor Unit 18, one of Somalia’s most powerful infantry brigades. The Gorgor forces have been instrumental in counter-insurgency operations against the militants, but they have also faced political controversy, with opposition groups in Mogadishu accusing them of being deployed for partisan purposes.
News of his arrest is already stirring concern in Mogadishu. Federal government officials are expected to demand clarification from Somaliland authorities, with some sources suggesting that diplomatic channels may be used to secure his release.
Meanwhile, Somali security analysts warn that the detention of a high-ranking former commander could fuel further political friction between Hargeisa and Mogadishu. “This is not just about one officer; it will be interpreted in the wider context of political rivalry and regional mistrust,” one analyst told the media.
Among former colleagues and soldiers who once served under him, the news has been met with shock. Some have expressed anger on social media, calling for his immediate release and portraying him as a respected commander who sacrificed for Somalia’s stability. Others have urged calm, warning that escalating the matter could deepen tensions at a delicate time.
As the situation develops, it remains uncertain whether Colonel Iraqi’s detention is linked to political motives, security concerns, or personal circumstances.
