By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Las Anod, 22 September 2026 North East State of Somalia’s Minister of Security Abdirizak Farah Warsame has denied reports that cargo trucks travelled freely along the Oog–Las Anod road, which has remained closed since the 2023 conflict.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, Warsame said four trucks appeared near positions held by North East State forces at around 9:00 p.m. on Monday but were intercepted before they could proceed.
“The four trucks were seized, and the people travelling with them are in our custody. Reports claiming that the vehicles passed through are baseless propaganda,” Warsame said.
He said nine people accompanying the vehicles had been detained and that the trucks remained in custody. Those arrested would be brought before the relevant legal authorities for appropriate action, he added.
Warsame said the administration and its security forces had been monitoring the movement of the vehicles and were aware of the alleged plan to use the road. He maintained that the Oog–Las Anod route remained closed to traffic coming from the Somaliland side.
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“The road was not open before, it is not open now, and it will not be reopened in the manner being suggested,” the minister said, describing reports that the road had reopened as misleading and intended to confuse the public.
He urged residents to remain vigilant against unverified information and cooperate with security agencies, and praised North East State forces for intercepting the vehicles, saying they remained prepared to carry out security responsibilities around the clock.
The minister further stated that the road could not be used by individuals identifying themselves as members or supporters of the Somaliland administration and its separatist position.
The statement followed reports that cargo trucks had travelled along the Oog–Las Anod road for the first time since the Las Anod conflict. North East State authorities, however, insist the trucks were intercepted and that the route has not officially reopened.