MOGADISHU, Somalia (Kaab TV) – The Somali Journalists Syndicate (SJS) has expressed deep concern over recent police raids targeting two journalists in Las Anod, amid allegations that the actions are linked to their reporting on families of detainees held in Somaliland prisons since the 2023 Las Anod conflict.
According to SJS, armed officers led by the Sool Regional Police Commander, Khadar Mohamed Farah, raided the homes of journalists Mukhtar Abdi Jama and Abdiqani Abdirahman Mohamed at around 2:00 a.m. on 9 June 2026. Both journalists reportedly faced intimidation during the operation.
Abdiqani was taken to a police station and questioned over his alleged involvement in interviews with families of prisoners held in Somaliland custody. He was later released after about an hour, while Mukhtar was not arrested but described the raid as a form of intimidation against journalists.
The raids followed the release of a documentary highlighting testimonies from families in Las Anod claiming that their relatives are being held in Somaliland prisons, some allegedly detained during the 2023 conflict between Somaliland forces and SSC-Khaatumo fighters, while others were reportedly arrested on identity-related grounds.
The journalist behind the documentary, Abdalle Qaalib, said he had received threats following its publication and had gone into hiding. He stated that some of the detainees are his relatives and estimated that around 108 people remain in custody across various Somaliland detention facilities.
SJS said the incidents reflect a broader pattern of harassment against journalists covering sensitive issues related to detainees and post-conflict grievances in the region. The organization warned that such actions could undermine press freedom and restrict reporting on matters of public interest.
The Las Anod conflict, which escalated in late 2022 and peaked in 2023, resulted in heavy fighting between Somaliland forces and SSC-Khaatumo fighters following long-standing political tensions and protests. The violence led to hundreds of deaths and the displacement of over 200,000 civilians, according to rights groups including Amnesty International.
Both sides have since held individuals they accuse of involvement in the fighting, and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) estimates that hundreds of detainees remain in custody despite limited prisoner exchanges in 2025.
Media reports from both Somaliland and Las Anod have continued to highlight ongoing appeals by families seeking the release or information about their detained relatives.
SJS Secretary General Abdalle Mumin said journalists must be protected while covering issues of public concern, stressing that reporting on detainees and family grievances is a legitimate journalistic activity under international freedom of expression standards.
He urged authorities in Las Anod to end harassment of journalists and instead address the concerns raised by families through lawful and transparent processes rather than intimidation.