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The Somali federal government has deployed former Puntland regional forces to front-line positions in the Sool region, marking a new phase in Mogadishu’s efforts to strengthen security and assert authority in the disputed northern areas. Regional officials confirmed on Wednesday that the forces include units from the elite Danab Brigade as well as members of the Puntland Security Force, now operating as part of Somalia’s national armed forces.
The troops arrived in the regional capital, Las Anod, after traveling from Garowe and the port city of Bosaso. They were formally received by Abdikadir Ahmed Ali, widely known as Firdhiye, the president of the Northeastern Regional State. Speaking during the welcoming ceremony, Firdhiye said the deployment was ordered directly by the federal government and reflects the integration of regional forces into a unified national army operating across Puntland and the wider northeastern regions.
According to Firdhiye, the forces have been stationed in the Gumays area, close to defensive positions held by both Somaliland and Northeastern forces. He emphasized that their mission is defensive in nature and focused on protecting territory currently administered by the Northeastern Regional State. He described the troops as experienced and disciplined, noting that many of them previously took part in the 2023 conflict that resulted in the removal of Somaliland forces from large parts of Sool.
“These forces are carrying out their national duty to defend the territory of the Northeastern Region,” Firdhiye said. He added that the units are fully prepared to respond if the region comes under threat again. “They are ready to protect Sool and all areas under our administration and to prevent any aggression,” he stated.
The deployment comes at a sensitive time, as the federal government works to consolidate its influence in northern Somalia following the formal establishment of the Northeastern Regional State. The new administration, which includes the regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn, has been recognized by the federal government in Mogadishu. Officials see the presence of federal-aligned forces on the ground as a key step toward stabilizing the area and reinforcing the authority of the new regional leadership.
Security analysts say the move also reflects broader efforts by Somalia’s federal leadership to reduce reliance on fragmented regional forces and instead build a more coordinated national security structure. By integrating experienced units from Puntland into federal operations, Mogadishu hopes to improve command, coordination, and long-term stability in contested regions.
The reinforcement of troops also coincides with preparations for a historic visit by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Las Anod, expected later this week. If the visit takes place, it would be the first time a sitting Somali president has traveled to the city since 1969. That year, President Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke was assassinated just hours after arriving in Las Anod, an event that left a lasting mark on the city’s history.
Las Anod has remained a symbol of political tension and unresolved territorial claims. In early 2023, local forces pushed Somaliland troops out of much of the city and surrounding areas after months of intense fighting. The conflict caused significant loss of life and forced tens of thousands of civilians to flee their homes. Although large-scale fighting has subsided since then, the situation remains fragile, with both sides maintaining defensive positions along disputed lines.
Despite the latest deployment, Somaliland authorities have not issued any official statement responding to the movement of federal-aligned forces into Sool. Somaliland continues to claim the region as part of its territory, a position that remains at the heart of the long-running dispute.
For residents of Las Anod and surrounding areas, the arrival of additional troops brings mixed feelings. While some see the deployment as a sign of increased protection and federal commitment, others worry that heightened military presence could raise tensions if political differences are not addressed through dialogue. As Somalia’s leaders push forward with state-building efforts in the north, the coming days may prove critical in shaping the future stability of Sool and the wider region.