The Break-away Republic of Somaliland has accused of UAE-trained forces of launching attacks on Somaliland forces. According to a statement released by the Somaliland Ministry of Defence on Thursday, these attacks have taken place amid ongoing conflicts in Las Anod.

The Ministry further asserted that these attacks have been perpetrated by a coalition consisting of UAE-trained Puntland Maritime Forces, Al-Shabaab, clan militias, and Somalia soldiers who received training in Eritrea.

“Our intelligence sources have unequivocally confirmed that the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), trained by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to combat terrorist groups and pirates operating in Puntland-State of Somalia, has now joined this malevolent alliance. Disturbingly, they have assumed different camouflage uniforms to obscure their true intentions,” read the statement from Somaliland Ministry of Defense.

The statement added: “we regret to inform their esteemed government that UAE-funded Puntland-State of Somalia soldiers are now being employed to attack Somaliland.”

Furthermore, Somaliland has alleged that the Puntland State forces, trained by both the USA and UAE, have formed alliances with extremist groups, further connecting these forces to Al-Shabaab

“we are deeply concerned about the participation of Puntland-State of Somalia soldiers, who were trained by the USA to combat terrorism and piracy but are now involved in attacks against Somaliland. It is highly disconcerting to witness soldiers trained by both the UAE and the USA, originally intended to combat the very terrorists and pirates they have now formed an alliance with, fighting alongside these extremist groups against Somaliland,” read part of the statement.

These accusations made by Somaliland pose an impediment to UAE’s efforts to finance various projects aimed at driving sustainable development in the region. Additionally, these accusations have created a diplomatic rift between UAE and Somaliland, potentially hindering the positive impact UAE could have in the region.