Hargeisa (SLpost)- The Somaliland Ministry of Defence has rejected reports that recent U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrikes against ISIS targeted or affected the Golis Mountains inside Somaliland, saying the operations were instead conducted in the Galgala Mountains in Puntland.
In a statement issued to clarify recent reports surrounding the U.S. military operations, the ministry said the airstrikes did not take place within the territory of Somaliland.
“Contrary to statements attributed to U.S. Secretary of Defense Peter Hegseth, the airstrikes in question did not target or impact the Golis Mountains within the territory of the Republic of Somaliland,” the ministry said.
According to the Somaliland Ministry of Defence, the operations were carried out in the Galgala Mountains in Puntland, which it described as a region within Somalia.
Somaliland Reaffirms Its Territorial Position
The ministry used the statement to reiterate Somaliland’s longstanding position that it is a sovereign and independent state with its own government, institutions and defined territorial boundaries.
It said the U.S. administration is aware of Somaliland’s position and argued that Somaliland should not be described as part of Somalia or any of its regional administrations.
“Any misrepresentation of Somaliland’s territorial integrity is inconsistent with the longstanding recognition of our distinct political and geographical identity,” the ministry said.
The statement comes amid heightened international attention to U.S. counterterrorism operations targeting ISIS elements in the wider Horn of Africa region.
Somaliland Highlights Its Security Partnership With the United States
Despite its criticism over the reported geographical description of the strikes, the Ministry of Defence emphasized that Somaliland remains committed to cooperation with the United States and other international partners on regional security.
The ministry described Somaliland as a “steadfast partner” in efforts to combat terrorism and extremism and said it continues to work with the international community to promote stability in the Horn of Africa.
The statement also emphasized Somaliland’s willingness to deepen security cooperation with Washington, particularly in areas of mutual interest.
Counterterrorism and Regional Stability
Somaliland’s Ministry of Defence said its government remains committed to regional peace and security and intends to continue cooperating with international partners in addressing terrorism and other security threats.
The ministry’s statement places particular emphasis on counterterrorism cooperation, economic development and the promotion of democratic values as areas where Somaliland and its international partners can pursue common objectives.
Somaliland Calls for Stronger Ties With Washington
The ministry also reaffirmed what it described as the strong partnership between Somaliland and the United States.
It said Somaliland values its relationships with Washington and other members of the international community and expressed its intention to strengthen those ties further.
The ministry identified counterterrorism, economic development and democratic values as key areas for future cooperation.
A Dispute Over Geography, Not Security Cooperation
The statement therefore carries two distinct messages.
First, Somaliland is challenging reports that could place AFRICOM’s recent operations within its territory, insisting that the strikes occurred in the Galgala Mountains of Puntland rather than the Golis Mountains in Somaliland.
Second, Hargeisa is emphasizing that the clarification should not be interpreted as opposition to U.S. counterterrorism operations or security cooperation. Instead, the ministry reiterated its willingness to work closely with Washington against terrorism and extremism.
The ministry’s position is that Somaliland’s territorial status and its security partnership with the United States can—and should—be treated as separate issues.
For Somaliland, accurately identifying the location of military operations is particularly significant because the government maintains that its territory and political status are distinct from those of Somalia.
The ministry concluded by expressing its expectation that relations between Somaliland and the United States will continue to develop around shared security and development objectives.
