Somaliland held a graduation ceremony for over 6,000 soldiers at a military base near Las Anod in the Sool region. The event took place on January 17, 2026, and marked the end of a major training programme.
Officials praised the troops for their readiness and discipline. The ceremony comes amid ongoing tensions with Somalia over control of the disputed area.
The base sits about 100 kilometres from Las Anod. Somaliland sees the training as a way to strengthen security in the region. National Army Commander Major General Nimcaan Yusuf Osman Gaaxnuug spoke at the event.
He highlighted the soldiers’ professionalism and Somaliland’s self-reliance. Photos from the ceremony show ranks of troops in uniform. Some estimates from images put the number closer to 2,000, but official reports stick to over 6,000.
Las Anod remains a hot spot. The town fell under local control in 2023 after clashes with Somaliland forces. Somalia’s federal government backs groups there through deployments and diplomacy.
Somaliland views these moves as interference. President Muse Bihi Abdi called recent Somali actions in Las Anod a threat to peace. The graduation near the area sends a message of strength.
The Sool region has seen conflict for years. Somaliland deployed thousands of troops there in 2023 during fighting. Local clans like Dhulbahante pushed back against control from Hargeisa.
The SSC-Khatumo group now holds parts of the town. Somalia recognised Khatumo State, adding to the rift. Somaliland sees the graduation as a boost to national defence.
Leaders at the event stressed peace while showing readiness. Supporters chanted for sovereignty. They said the troops stand prepared but prefer calm. One official called it a step for regional stability. The ceremony included parades and speeches. Soldiers took oaths to protect the republic.
Somaliland declared independence in 1991 but lacks wide recognition. It runs its own army and government. Training like this shows self-reliance. The Sool base is one of several in the east. Troops there face ongoing risks from rival forces.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has pushed for unity. He met regional leaders in Las Anod recently. Somaliland called that meddling. The two sides trade barbs often. No talks have bridged the gap yet.
Analysts question the graduate numbers. Photos show smaller groups. But official counts hold at 6,000+. The programme lasted months. It covered basic skills and combat training. New soldiers join units across the country.
Residents in Sool have mixed views. Some back Somaliland control. Others want local rule or ties to Somalia. The area sees sporadic clashes. Peace efforts stall as claims overlap.
This graduation boosts Somaliland’s military image. It comes as tensions simmer. Leaders say it deters threats. Neighbours watch closely as the region stays unstable.
No immediate response from Somalia came. Their focus stays on federal ties. The event passed without incident.
Somaliland pushes for recognition abroad. Events like this show governance strength. The road ahead remains tough with disputed borders. For now, the new soldiers stand ready. Their role in Sool could shape coming months.
