TALEH, Somalia – On May 3, 2024, residents in the Sool region of Somalia, particularly around the historic town of Taleh and the Kalcad area, witnessed a series of events that have sparked curiosity and concern.
A military drone reportedly crashed near Kalcad, a approximately 200km east of Las-anod, with reports indicating a loud explosion, smoke, and debris scattered around the crash site. This incident was reported by various sources, including local residents.
Adding to the mystery, an Iranian-made cruise missile was also reported to have crashed in the same region late Thursday night, as per witness accounts and visual evidence. This event was highlighted by locals indicating that despite the missile’s failure, no casualties were reported.
The ownership of the drone and the purpose of its presence in the region remain unclear. The local authorities and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) have not yet commented on the incidents. The area has seen increased drone activities in recent years, leading to speculations about the nature of these missions, including surveillance and other clandestine operations.
The Sool region has been a site of conflict and unrest, with reports of fighting between Somaliland security forces and armed fighters affiliated with the Dhulbahante clan in Las Anod, as noted by Amnesty International. This ongoing conflict, coupled with the presence of foreign military assets, has created a complex and volatile situation in the region.
As of now, the origins of the crashed drone and the Iranian-made cruise missile remain unknown, and the international community, especially the countries with a stake in the region, are closely monitoring the situation.
It is hoped that further investigations will shed light on the events and their implications for the security and stability of Somalia and the Horn of Africa.
