By Shire Abdi - Reporter
LAS ANOD (Dawan) – July 29, 2026 – President Abdiqadir Ahmed Ali “Firdhiye” of Somalia’s North Eastern State has issued a strong military warning to Somaliland, saying his administration will respond to any attack against its territory. The remarks were followed by a visit to Darawiish military positions in Sallinta, where he discussed security preparedness with commanders.
Speaking on July 27 during a consultation meeting with youth and women from North Eastern State, Firdhiye said the administration would not only defend itself against any attack but would also take measures against the source of any aggression.
“Those who attack us, we will attack them from tonight onwards. If the separatist administration based in Hargeisa has not learned from what happened before, we are determined to teach them a second lesson,” Firdhiye said.
He added that Somaliland would bear responsibility for any consequences resulting from security developments in the disputed areas.
A day later, on July 28, Firdhiye visited the Sallinta positions of the North Eastern State Darawiish forces, where he met military commanders and discussed increasing vigilance, preparing for possible security responses, strengthening territorial defence and completing reforms related to the forces.
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The combination of the warning and the military visit has increased attention around the security situation, signalling that the administration wants to demonstrate that its statements are accompanied by security preparations.
However, the visit alone does not confirm that a military operation is planned or that a new conflict is imminent. No official order for military action, large-scale troop movements or direct clashes between the two sides has been reported so far.
The tensions come amid internal political developments in North Eastern State. The regional parliament recently removed the immunity of five lawmakers who had announced their resignation from the assembly.
While the dispute over the lawmakers remains an internal political matter, North Eastern State leaders have linked their departure to the broader political rivalry with Somaliland. The situation reflects the growing intersection between security concerns, internal politics and the long-running administrative dispute over the region.