Horn Petroleum Provides an Update on Puntland Drilling

Horn Petroleum Corporation ("Horn" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:HRN) is
pleased to provide an update on the drilling program ongoing in Puntland
(Somalia). 


The Shabeel North-1 well has reached a total depth of 3945 meters and has
encountered metamorphic basement at a depth of 3919 meters. The well penetrated
149 meters of interbedded sands and shales of the Triassic Adigrat Formation
with no oil or gas shows and only minor porosity exhibited on electric logs.
Accordingly, the well is being plugged. As noted in a previous Puntland drilling
update, the Upper Cretaceous Jesomma sands did exhibit porosity and hydrocarbon
shows but produced only fresh water on a drill stem test. These sands are
similar to the Jesomma sands encountered in the previously drilled Shabeel well
in respect of log response and oil and gas shows. It has therefore been
determined that additional testing of these zones in the previously drilled
Shabeel well is also not warranted. 


Based on the encouragement provided by the Shabeel wells, the Company and its
partners, Range Resources and Red Emperor, plan to enter the next exploration
period in both the Nugaal and Dharoor Valley Production Sharing Contracts
("PSC's) which carry a commitment to drill one well in each block within an
additional 3 year term. The current operational plan would be to contract a
seismic crew to acquire additional data in the Dharoor Valley block and to hold
discussions with the Puntland Government to gain access regarding drill ready
prospects in the Nugaal Valley block. The focus of the Dharoor seismic program
will to delineate new structural prospects for the upcoming drilling campaign.


Keith Hill, Chairman of Horn, commented, "While we were disappointed that we
were not able to flow oil from the first two exploration wells in our Puntland
(Somalia) drilling campaign, we remain highly encouraged that all of the
critical elements exist for oil accumulations, namely a working petroleum
system, good quality reservoirs and thick seal rocks. We look forward to working
with the Puntland government to move our exploration project to the next phase
which will likely require us to focus on prospects in different areas of the
basins. One should keep in perspective that it often takes a number of wells to
find commercial hydrocarbons and we plan to continue our aggressive program to
unlock the potential of this highly prospective region." 


Horn holds a 60% working interest in the Dharoor and Nugaal Valley blocks and is
the operator. The other partners in the blocks are Range Resources (20%) and Red
Emperor (20%). Africa Oil Corporation holds an approximate 45% equity interest
in Horn. 


Horn Petroleum Corporation is a Canadian oil and gas company with assets in
Puntland, Somalia. The Corporation holds a 60% interest and operatorship in the
Dharoor and Nugaal blocks encompassing a Jurassic Rift Basin on trend and
analogous to the large oil fields in Yemen. The Corporation's shares are listed
on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "HRN".


ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

David Grellman, President and CEO

FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking
information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The
use of any of the words "will", "expected" and similar expressions and
statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to
identify forward looking information and are based on the Company's current
belief or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events. Actual
future results may differ materially. Various assumptions or factors are
typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections
set out in forward-looking information. Those assumptions and factors are based
on information currently available to the Company. The forward-looking
information contained in this release is made as of the date hereof and the
Company is not obligated to update or revise any forward-looking information,
whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as
required by applicable securities laws. Because of the risks, uncertainties and
assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on
forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any
forward-looking information contained herein.