Garowe, (WDN) – In a moment marked by jubilation and national pride, President Said Abdullahi Deni is set to host a special welcoming ceremony to honor the Puntland soldiers recently released from captivity in Somaliland.

The 11 gallant soldiers and officers—captured during the Las Anod conflict—arrived in Garowe to an emotional and celebratory reception. Citizens, elders, and officials gathered in the capital to greet the heroes, many waving Puntland flags and chanting in support of their safe return. Their next destination is Qardho, where the community is organizing a traditional welcoming celebration in recognition of their service and sacrifice.

From there, the group will travel to Bosaso, where President Deni will personally receive them and conduct a customary honor ceremony. Sources from the Office of the Presidency confirm that the event will reflect the region’s deep respect for its defenders and underscore the administration’s unwavering commitment to its soldiers.

The successful release and repatriation of these troops is seen as a diplomatic and moral victory for Puntland. The soldiers had been held in Hargeisa following their capture by Somaliland forces during the battle for Las Anod. In a carefully negotiated exchange agreement, Puntland released 15 prisoners who had been captured during the Gooja-Adde engagement, showcasing the state’s leadership in prioritizing the wellbeing of its people—even in the midst of ongoing tensions.

In a brief but poignant statement, the Government of Puntland announced that the exchange was made directly between the two sides—Puntland and Somaliland—without the involvement of any third party. The operation, carried out in Garowe and Hargeisa, reflects a rare instance of pragmatic dialogue in an otherwise strained relationship.

The moment resonates deeply across Puntland, not only as a diplomatic achievement but as a moral reaffirmation of Puntland’s values—loyalty, leadership, and the unyielding defense of its people.

“This is not just a prisoner exchange,” said a local elder in Garowe. “It’s a testament to Puntland’s enduring strength, its just cause, and the wisdom of its leadership under President Deni.”

As the freed soldiers prepare to reunite with their families and communities, the atmosphere across Puntland is one of celebration, resilience, and moral clarity. Their return is seen as a triumph of justice over adversity, and a powerful reminder that Puntland never abandons its own.

President Deni’s forthcoming welcome in Bosaso is expected to include cultural rites, traditional blessings, and public expressions of gratitude from the government and citizens alike—reinforcing Puntland’s commitment to honor its protectors and uphold its principles in the face of challenge.

Indeed, the reunion of these soldiers with their homeland has not only lifted spirits across the region—it has further solidified Puntland’s stature as a state that values dignity, duty, and unity above all.

WardheerNews