Saturday, July 5, 2025 — HAN
Sanaag, Somalia — A standoff in Somalia’s Sanaag region has turned deadly, as Puntland security forces and fighters loyal to former Puntland parliamentary speaker Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril clashed in the village of Elbuh, leaving civilians caught in the crossfire.
Sources on the ground report casualties, including both deaths and injuries, following a recent exchange between the two sides. Puntland forces had been deployed to Elbuh to block a consultative conference that authorities claim is backed by politicians aligned with the Federal Government of Somalia — accused of seeking to incorporate Sanaag into the SSC-Khaatumo administration.
The situation remains highly volatile, with fears that the standoff could escalate into full-scale conflict. Former Speaker Jibril, who is at the scene, is said to be leading the rival forces and is a prominent advocate for Sanaag’s alignment with SSC-Khaatumo.
Puntland’s leadership has strongly criticized the federal government, accusing it of interference and stoking tensions through local allies.
In an effort to prevent further bloodshed, community elders and influential local figures have stepped in, successfully persuading organizers to suspend the Elbuh conference — at least for now — as peace efforts continue.
