Dhahar(WDN)-Military officials stationed in the northeastern town of Xiingalool, in Somalia’s Sanaag region, have strongly denied reports suggesting that local forces have defected to join the Somaliland military.

The rebuttal follows widespread rumors circulating on social media claiming that troops, along with military vehicles and weaponry, had left Xiingalool and pledged allegiance to Somaliland authorities.

In a joint statement issued Saturday, Commander Mahmoud Mohamed Jama (known as Buurmadow) and Commander Mohamed Hassan Shirdoon categorically rejected the claims as false and misleading.

“We want to clarify to the public that no troops, vehicles, or weapons have left this area to join Somaliland,” said Commander Shirdoon. “The reports being shared on social media are fabricated and have no basis in fact.”

Commander Jama reinforced the denial, stating, “As the senior officer in charge of Xiingalool, I confirm that no military personnel or combat equipment have defected. These rumors are entirely baseless.”

The denial comes at a time of heightened political tension in northern Somalia, where territorial claims and military movements are closely scrutinized. Xiingalool lies in a sensitive zone within the contested Sanaag region, claimed by both Puntland and Somaliland.

Local observers warn that unverified reports of defections can inflame tensions and destabilize already fragile security arrangements. Military officials have urged the public and media to refrain from spreading unconfirmed information that could fuel unrest.

WardheerNews