HARGEISA, Somaliland (HornPost) — Somaliland’s National Army has launched its annual military training exercise, HEEGAN 2026, in Bandarwanaag, with units from across the armed forces participating in joint drills designed to strengthen combat readiness and operational coordination.
Army Commander Brig. Gen. Niman Yusuf Gahnug officially inaugurated the exercise on Tuesday, according to a statement issued by the Somaliland National Army General Command.
The exercise is expected to continue over the coming weeks and will include military training and live-fire drills involving various weapons systems and equipment, including artillery, tanks, armored vehicles, drones and other military hardware, the statement said.
The military said the exercise aims to improve troop readiness, enhance training standards and strengthen coordination among different army units. It will also assess the force’s ability to conduct joint military operations.
According to the statement, HEEGAN will become an annual training program intended to develop soldiers’ skills and adapt military capabilities to evolving warfare tactics and technologies.
Speaking at the launch, Gahnug emphasized the importance of regular training, operational coordination and maintaining a high state of readiness. He said these efforts were necessary to ensure the army remained prepared to carry out its constitutional responsibilities, including defending the country, protecting its sovereignty and maintaining national security.
Military Issues Safety Warning to Residents
The army’s General Command warned residents of Bandarwanaag and surrounding areas that the exercise would involve gunfire, artillery sounds and military movements.
The command urged pastoralists, rural communities and other residents to stay away from designated training and live-fire areas throughout the exercise.
It also advised people to keep their livestock out of restricted zones, follow security instructions issued by military personnel and observe warning signs and safety boundaries established around training sites.
The army said it would conduct public awareness activities and install warning signs while implementing safety measures intended to protect civilians, livestock and property during the exercise.
The command thanked local communities for their cooperation, describing HEEGAN 2026 as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the professionalism, capabilities and readiness of Somaliland’s National Army.
Source: Somaliland National Army General Command.
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Hargeisa, Somalilan
