Sunday, July 6, 2025
Sanaag, Somalia — (Horn Africa News) — Armed tensions have erupted in the Sanaag region, specifically in the village of Elbuh, following clashes between Puntland forces and troops loyal to Abdirashid Yusuf Jibril, the former Speaker of the Puntland Parliament.
Reliable sources report that the fighting has resulted in casualties, including deaths and injuries among civilians caught in the crossfire.
Puntland forces are said to have deployed to Elbuh to stop a planned consultative meeting aimed at discussing the future of the region. Puntland authorities accuse certain politicians — allegedly linked to the Federal Government of Somalia — of leading efforts to annex Sanaag into the administration of SSC-Khaatumo. The Puntland military operation is believed to be a move to prevent such developments.
There is growing fear of a full-scale armed conflict between the two sides stationed in Elbuh.
Mr. Jibril, a key political figure advocating for Sanaag’s integration into SSC-Khaatumo, remains in the area despite the escalating tension.
Puntland’s President and Vice President have recently accused the Federal Government of political interference in Sanaag through local politicians.
Meanwhile, clan elders and community leaders in the Sanaag region have launched peace efforts. They have succeeded in temporarily suspending the planned consultative meeting in a bid to prevent the outbreak of civil war.
Horn Africa News will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates.
