HARGEISA, Somaliland (Horn Post) Two-armed men, accompanied by a vehicle mounted with a heavy weapon, have rejoined the Somaliland National Army after leaving an armed force that had been operating in the eastern part of Sool region, Somaliland military officials said Monday.
The men arrived at the Eastern Sector Command of the Somaliland National Army, where they were received by senior military officials.
Speaking during the reception, Col. Mohamed Abdi Abdile “Fanax,” commander of the army’s Eastern Sector, welcomed the two men and said Somaliland would continue to receive anyone returning from Las Anod or eastern Sool.
“We welcome everyone coming from Las Anod or eastern Sool. You have come to your own government and your own army. We are together, we will consult together, and your legitimate concerns will be addressed,” Fanax said.
He described the men as having returned to their homeland and said they would be integrated with the forces they had previously served.
The two men also spoke during the event, saying they were pleased to return to what they described as their own army after deciding to reunite with the Somaliland National Army.
The pair said they viewed their return as coming back to their homeland and expressed satisfaction at rejoining the military force they had previously served.
The Somaliland authorities did not disclose the identities of the two men or specify when they had left the army to join the armed group operating in eastern Sool.
The development comes amid continued security tensions in parts of eastern Sool, where Somaliland authorities have repeatedly called on former personnel and armed fighters to return to government-controlled forces.
Prepared by:
Horn post staff
HARGEISA, Somaliland
