Somalia police arrest five suspects in Las Anod rape case

Monday May 25, 2026

Las Anod (AX) — Police in Somalia’s Northeastern State moved quickly on Sunday, arresting five suspects and launching a search for a sixth person in connection with the rape of a woman in Las Anod.

Sool regional police said the assault occurred on May 23, 2026. After the case was reported, officers carried out a follow-up operation that led to the detention of the five suspects.

Police said the victim is a woman from Northeastern Somalia. They did not release her name, in line with standard practice in sexual assault cases.

Investigators are still working on the case, and police said they will issue a full report once the inquiry is complete. The suspects in custody will be handed over to judicial authorities for legal proceedings, according to the statement.

Police also urged the public not to circulate unverified information on social media, warning that material not released by official sources could disrupt the investigation, the justice process and ongoing security operations.

The case has brought renewed attention to sexual violence in Las Anod. A year ago, two sisters were gang-raped in the city, a case that rights activists and residents say has yet to result in full justice.

Sexual violence remains widely underreported across many parts of Somalia, where stigma, fear of retaliation and limited access to justice often keep survivors silent. Rights advocates have long called for tougher investigations, better protection for survivors and greater accountability in gender-based violence cases.