The Dervish Forces Command of the Northeastern administration of Somalia has denied reports that soldiers and military vehicles have defected from the Somaliland side.
A press release from the military command dated July 6, 2026, stated that the reports published in the media and social media are “fake news” spread by Somaliland.
The command said that the Northeastern forces are still in their positions, and continue to defend the areas they control. They called on the public not to believe the reports, which they described as unfounded, and to obtain official information from the military command.
The press release also praised the Northeastern Dervish forces, praising their role in defending the borders and security in the administrative areas.
Somaliland presented two soldiers and a technical vehicle in the Oog district, which it said had defected from the Northeastern forces, and welcomed them into the ranks of the Somaliland forces.
Northeastern Somali forces deny soldiers and vehicles defected from Somaliland.
