Monday, July 7, 2025
Sanaag— (Horn Africa News) —Puntland authorities have deployed fresh military forces to the disputed Sanaag region, focusing on strategic routes linking Sool region to the districts of Dhahar and Xingalool. The deployment, which includes reinforcing defensive positions in the town of Ellbuh, comes as tensions escalate over proposed federal government plans to form a new regional administration in the area.
Sources on the ground report that the new troops were dispatched early Sunday to bolster positions around Elbuh, where former Puntland parliamentary speaker, MP Abdirashid Yusuf Awl, is currently stationed. Puntland officials say the move aims to safeguard the region’s stability and prevent what they describe as unconstitutional interference.
The military escalation coincides with the arrival of senior officials from Somalia’s Federal Government in Las Anod. These officials are reportedly en route to Ceelbuh to convene a major conference aimed at establishing a new administration for the regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn — a plan firmly rejected by Puntland authorities.
Local Puntland leaders, operating out of Badhan, have since Saturday intensified both political and military maneuvers to block the federal initiative. They assert that no administration can be formed in Sanaag without Puntland’s involvement and consent.
Former parliamentary speaker Abdirashid Awl echoed this stance, describing Elbuh as a peaceful area and insisting that any discussions about the future of Sanaag must be led by local stakeholders within Puntland’s framework.
Federal officials in Las Anod, meanwhile, continue efforts to reach Elbuh to hold their planned meeting, further heightening the political and security tensions. Puntland leaders have reiterated their position that no federal-backed conference will be allowed in the region without Puntland’s participation.
The standoff has once again pushed political and security tensions in Sanaag to a boiling point. All eyes are now on the next moves by the federal delegation, Puntland leadership, and local elders as the situation continues to unfold.
