By Asha Elmi - Reporter
Hargeisa, 17 August 2026 — Somaliland’s Interior Minister Abdalle Mohamed Arab said on Sunday that Somaliland and Puntland maintain good security cooperation, including the return of suspects and the sharing of intelligence on threats.
Speaking at a news conference in Hargeisa, Arab said Puntland had returned people accused of crimes who had travelled there from Somaliland.
“We have a good and peaceful relationship with the neighbouring administration of Puntland,” Arab said.
He said the two sides exchange information on activities that could threaten Somaliland’s security.
“We provide them with information on anything that is hostile to Somaliland,” he said, adding that Puntland also returns suspects to Somaliland when requested.
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Arab said Somaliland similarly cooperates with Puntland when asked to assist with people accused of committing crimes there.
The minister’s comments come amid continuing political and security tensions over Las Anod and the wider Sool and Sanaag regions. Somaliland claims the areas, which are currently administered by Somalia’s North East State.
Arab also said Somaliland maintains contacts with elders and other figures from Las Anod, describing them as Somalilanders and saying the administration welcomes those seeking peace.
He said a number of elders had visited Somaliland and that the government was engaged in discussions with some of them.