Africa Oil Corp. commenced drilling operations at the Shabeel North well in Puntland, Somalia, the second well in its current drilling campaign. The well is being operated by Horn Petroleum Corp., in which Africa Oil holds an interest of approximately 51%.

The Shabeel North well is targeting Upper Cretaceous Jesomma sands, which had good oil and gas shows in the Shabeel well 2.17 miles (3.5 km) to the south. Petrophysical analysis of downhole electrical logs in the Shabeel well indicated a potential pay zone in the Jesomma of 9 ft (12 m) to 66 ft (20 m) with an average porosity of 18% to 20%. 

It is planned to bring the rig back to the Shabeel location to test these sands to confirm its ability to flow oil once the drilling of the Shabeel North well is completed. The planned total depth of the well is 7,874 ft (2,400 m) and drilling is expected to take 45 to 60 days to complete.

Horn holds a 60% working interest in the Dharoor and Nugaal Valley production sharing agreements; along with partners Range Resources, 20%; and Red Emperor, 20%.

Horn’s president and chief executive officer, David Grellman, stated, "The Shabeel North well will test the same reservoirs that appear to be oil bearing in the nearby Shabeel well. We would expect similar or better reservoir thickness and quality as we move deeper into the basin. The results of this well should help us confirm the extent of the petroleum system in the basin and, if successful, would be another step towards proving the economic potential of the basin."