Khaatumo State forces capture bases outside Laascaanood as Somaliland forces retreat

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Khaatumo State forces capture bases outside Laascaanood as Somaliland forces retreat

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – After a day marked by intense gun battles and relentless shelling, the local fighters aligned with the newly established Khaatumo State have confirmed their successful takeover of Somaliland army bases situated on th

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Armed APC seen at a captured army base outside Laascaanood on Friday 25 August 2023. | Photo/ KAAB TV.

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – After a day marked by intense gun battles and relentless shelling, the local fighters aligned with the newly established Khaatumo State have confirmed their successful takeover of Somaliland army bases situated on the outskirts of Laascaanood.

Abdiqadir Firdhiye, the leader of Khaatumo State, triumphantly announced the victory of his forces over the Somaliland army across at least five bases on the periphery of Laascaanood.

Speaking before his fighters outside the city, Firdhiye addressed the significant achievement.

The camps that now fall under the control of SSC forces include Gojacadde, Maraaga, Xargaga, Buundada Boda, Buurta Hodan, and the Eastern Area.

"We are immediately commencing efforts to secure our region and establish our own administration,” Firdhiye declared with conviction.

In a plea to the Somali federal government, he beseeched for assistance to be extended to the people of Laascaanood in these pivotal times.

The land area now under SSC Khatumo’s control is estimated to span approximately 80 kilometers, reclaiming sovereignty over territory previously administered by Somaliland.

Responding to the development, the Somaliland defense ministry acknowledged the retreat of its forces from the frontlines. It even admitted to certain forces inadvertently moving in the wrong direction as they retreated.

Khatumo officials have disclosed that they have apprehended several senior military officers from the Somaliland army. Notably, among the captured is General Faysal Abdi Bootaan, who held the position of commander of the Somaliland army in the Gojacadde base.

Presenting photographic evidence, the SSC Khatumo troops showcased the military vehicles and tanks they have successfully taken control of.

The conflict traces back to February 6 when Somaliland security forces initiated a violent crackdown on civil protests. Subsequently, in February, Dhulbahante clan elders announced their intention to secede from Somaliland and reunite with the Federal Government of Somalia.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in a death toll exceeding 300 individuals and has displaced between 153,000 to 203,000 people, many of whom have sought refuge across the Ethiopian border.

On June 7, the UN Security Council issued a statement urging the immediate withdrawal of ‘Somaliland’ forces and emphasizing the need for all parties involved to exercise restraint.