Horn Petroleum Shabeel North Drilling Update

HORN PETROLEUM SHABEEL NORTH DRILLING UPDATE

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwire - July 18, 2012) - Horn Petroleum Corporation ("Horn Petroleum" or the "Company") (TSX VENTURE:HRN) reports that the Shabeel North well is currently at a depth of 1967meters and has penetrated a 50 meter gross section of upper Jesomma sands with oil shows. An open hole drill stem test is currently underway to determine if this zone is oil or water bearing.

Regardless of the result of this test, the well will continue to drill to the base of the Jesomma sands to evaluate any additional lower Jesomma potential pay zones.

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.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Horn Petroleum Corporation
Sophia Shane
Corporate Development
(604) 689-7842
(604) 689-4250 (FAX)
hornpetroleum@namdo.com
www.hornpetroleum.com