Somaliland has denied a sensitive report aired by Al Arabiya television, which claimed that forces from outside the region were present in areas within the Awdal region. Somaliland described the report as baseless and lacking any factual foundation.
In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Somaliland, the government confirmed that the Oodweyne region falls fully under the administration of Hargeisa.
The ministry emphasized that security in the region is solely maintained by Somaliland’s national forces, and that no other armed groups are operating in the area.
Somaliland’s denial comes at a time when Al Arabiya also reported that clashes have continued for a second consecutive day in the Awdal region of northern Somalia.
According to the report, the fighting involves groups aligned with the separatist movement and armed forces strongly opposed to Somalia’s fragmentation.
Awdal, previously considered one of the most stable regions, has in recent months experienced growing security tensions, raising fresh concerns among residents and observers.
More broadly, Somaliland has faced increasing security pressures and political unrest over the past several months in parts of its northern and western areas. These developments are largely linked to armed militias and clan-based disputes with political dimensions.
These incidents have once again drawn international attention to Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government, but has yet to receive international recognition.
Meanwhile, local and international media have reported sporadic clashes in recent weeks across disputed territories and areas close to regions under the influence of the Federal Government of Somalia.
Residents of the Awdal region have strongly rejected any recognition by Israel of the Somaliland administration, pledging to defend the unity of Somalia.
For its part, the Federal Government of Somalia has repeatedly stated its firm opposition to any actions that undermine the country’s territorial integrity.
Mogadishu has insisted that it will not accept unilateral secessionist steps, stressing that any lasting solution can only be achieved through political dialogue conducted in accordance with the country’s constitution.
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