On 9 June 2026, armed police forces conducted coordinated raids on the homes of Mukhtar Abdi Jama, an independent journalist and Abdiqani Abdirahman Mohamed, Director of Dhulmar Media, in Las Anod, Sool region of Northeast State.

The operation was reportedly led by Sool Regional Police Commander Khadar Mohamed Farah, who was accompanied by armed police officers. The raids are believed to have been carried out in connection with the journalists’ perceived reporting on the concerns of families seeking information and justice for relatives who have remained detained in Somaliland prisons for more than a year following the 2023 Las Anod conflict.

According to the journalists, in the early hours of the morning, heavily armed police officers forcibly entered their homes without presenting a search warrant or providing prior notice. The officers searched the premises, terrorised family members, damaged several doors and fired live ammunition within the compounds, creating fear and intimidation among those in the compound.

Following the raids, the journalists contacted the regional police command seeking clarification. Police officials informed them that they had no confirmed information regarding the operation and stated that the matter would be investigated. As of the time of reporting, no official findings or explanation have been released and no accountability measures have been announced as well.

The raids form part of an ongoing pattern of intimidation against journalists covering matters of significant public interest and raise serious concerns regarding press freedom, the protection of journalists and respect for due process in the region.