The SSC Khaatumo administration, which emerged from the former British Somaliland, has accused Somaliland forces of launching coordinated attacks on its military bases in Buhodle district, heightening regional tensions. In a recent statement, SSC Khaatumo alleged that Somaliland’s military targeted both military sites and nomadic communities, leading to severe clashes that endangered both soldiers and civilians.
“The SSC Khaatumo administration condemns these assaults as acts of aggression threatening peace in the region. We stand firm in defending our territory and will not accept attacks on our people,” the statement declared, urging the international community to intervene for an immediate truce to protect civilians.
Violent confrontations erupted on Thursday and continued into Friday as Somaliland forces reportedly engaged with SSC-Khaatumo fighters near Shangeed and Qorilugud areas close to Buhodle. Reports indicate substantial casualties on both sides as the conflict intensified.
In a statement on Friday, Somaliland’s Ministry of Internal Affairs accused SSC-Khaatumo forces of provoking unrest in Qorilugud, claiming the attacks targeted local residents. In response, the ministry stated that Somaliland’s national forces, with the help of local militia, countered the SSC-Khaatumo forces.
“The allied groups and militants in eastern Las Anod instigated violence against Qorilugud residents on Thursday. Our forces responded, leading to significant losses on the attacking groups,” the ministry noted.
The SSC Khaatumo administration, which remains self-determined and separated from Somaliland, is not recognized as a federal state by the Somali federal government. This region, claimed by Somaliland, faces ongoing clan issues that complicate governance. Last August 2023, Somaliland withdrew from Las Anod city, which it had governed since capturing it in 2007. Additionally, the neighboring federal state of Puntland claims SSC Khaatumo as part of its territory, further complicating the crisis in the area.
The Somaliland ministry also alleged that the conflict might have been incited by parties within Mogadishu aiming to derail Somaliland’s electoral process set for November 2024. SSC-Khaatumo has not issued any further statements on the renewed violence, leaving the origins of the clashes unclear.