Several casualties have been reported following second day of intense fighting between the Somaliland army, backed by local militia, and SSC-Khatumo forces in the Ain area.
The fighting started on Thursday in the Shangeed and Qorilugud areas near Buhoodle district. The Somaliland administration has accused SSC-Khatumo forces of attacking Qorilugud residents, leading to the escalation of violence feared to have claimed multiple lives.
In a statement released on Friday, Somaliland’s Ministry of Internal Affairs claimed that allied forces in eastern Sool launched attacks on locals, prompting a response from Somaliland’s national army and local militia forces.
“The allied groups and terrorists in the eastern city of Las Anod attacked the people of Qorilugud area on Thursday. In response, the area’s residents and the Somaliland National Army inflicted heavy losses on the allied groups,” read the statement.
The ministry added that on Friday, SSC-Khatumo forces attempted a second attack on Shangeed, a small town between Qorilugud and Buhoodle, which was reportedly repelled.
Somaliland’s Ministry of Internal Affairs further alleged that the renewed violence was orchestrated by the government in Mogadishu in an attempt to disrupt Somaliland’s democratic process, with national elections scheduled for November 2024.
SSC Khaatumo administration accused Somaliland forces on Friday of launching a coordinated attack on its military bases in the Buhodle district, escalating renewed tensions.
In a statement, SSC Khaatumo alleged that Somaliland forces targeted both military bases and nomadic communities in the area, leading to intense clashes that have endangered soldiers and civilians alike.
“The SSC Khaatumo leadership condemns this attack as an act of terrorism aimed at destabilizing the peace in the SSC Khaatumo region. This unprovoked aggression shows a blatant disregard for stability. We are committed to defending our territory and will not tolerate these attacks on our people,” the statement read.
The newly established SSC administration called on the international community to address these developments, advocating for urgent dialogue and an immediate cessation of hostilities to protect civilians and prevent further conflict.
Heavy fighting between Somaliland forces, bolstered by local militias, and SSC-Khaatumo forces erupted on Thursday and Friday in the Shangeed and Qorilugud areas near Buhodle, reportedly resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
