A Saudi-funded military training program has been operating out of Guriceel in central Somalia since at least June 2026.
— Unspoken Sudan (@UnspokenSudan) July 12, 2026
More than 10 days ago!
Independent Somali-language reporting corroborates the core numbers: more than 5,100 recruits, a nine-month training course, and about 2,000 of them recruited… pic.twitter.com/aNsSUqArUJ
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A Saudi-funded military training program has been operating out of Guriceel in central Somalia since at least June 2026.
Independent Somali-language reporting corroborates the core numbers: more than 5,100 recruits, a nine-month training course, and about 2,000 of them recruited specifically from Puntland.
The training reportedly falls under a defense cooperation agreement Saudi Arabia and Somalia signed in Riyadh on February 9, 2026.
Where it gets less certain is the destination.
One Puntland officer involved in the program told investigators the force isn't meant to stay in Somalia. He says it's being prepared to deploy to Sudan and fight alongside the SAF.
Saudi Arabia accused of using foreign mercenaries to train Somali fighters
[CitizenDigital] Media and military sources have alleged that Saudi Arabia has overseen the training of more than 5,000 Somali fighters in the Guri Jebel area of Somalia's Galguduud region, using foreign mercenaries reportedly brought in from Romania, Ukraine, South Africa and Colombia.
| It’s not like we can expect the Saudis to get dirty fighting. Of course they’d hire out the work. |
The reports further claim that attention is shifting to the possible deployment of some of the foreign mercenaries to Sudan, where Saudi Arabia is alleged to be financing and arming extremist militias.
Separately, Intelligence Online reportedly claimed that Saudi Arabia supplied the Sudanese Army with advanced missile systems and large quantities of ammunition during 2023 and 2024. The publication also alleged that Ukrainian mercenaries trained Sudanese artillery personnel and allied forces, citing photographs and videos purportedly taken in Sudan in 2023.
The reports conclude by raising concerns that the programme could contribute to the spread of extremist activities across Africa, alleging that some trainees are being indoctrinated with jihadist ideology for future combat operations in Somalia, Sudan and other countries.