Tuesday July 7, 2026
Las Anod (AX) — A new dispute over alleged defections added to tensions in Sool region Monday, after North Western State of Somalia forces displayed two soldiers and a military vehicle they said had crossed over from Northeastern State forces — an account swiftly rejected by the Northeastern administration’s Dervish Forces Command.
North Western State of Somalia authorities named the two men as Elmi Mohamed Ali and Muhuyadin Abdi Ahmed. Officials said they had left a military unit in the Gumays area and reached a North Western State of Somalia forces base in Oog district with a military vehicle.
North Western State of Somalia officials said the men had previously served in North Western State of Somalia forces and had been trained in North Western State of Somalia before separating themselves from the recent fighting and political shifts in the region.
During a reception ceremony, North Western State of Somalia officers sought to reassure other potential returnees, saying soldiers who rejoin North Western State of Somalia forces would be safe. They dismissed claims that troops who come back would face punishment or execution.
“You have come home, and we welcome you,” one officer said. “Anyone who returns to the North Western State of Somalia forces will be warmly welcomed.”
The two soldiers shown by North Western State of Somalia said they were pleased with the welcome they received, portraying their move as a return to their home and to their army.
The Northeastern administration’s Dervish Forces Command denied the account, insisting that no soldiers and no military vehicles had defected to North Western State of Somalia.
In a statement dated July 6, 2026, the command called the reports circulating in the media and on social platforms “fake news” it said had been spread by North Western State of Somalia.
“The Northeastern forces are still in their positions and continue to defend the areas they control,” the command said.
The command called on the public to disregard what it described as baseless reports, saying official updates should come from the military command.
It also commended Northeastern Dervish forces for what it described as their work in protecting security and territory held by the administration.
North Western State of Somalia and Northeastern forces have clashed repeatedly in Sool region, where North Western State of Somalia claims Las Anod as part of its territory. Both sides also continue to hold prisoners captured in fighting in and around Las Anod.
