Somaliland deploys more forces to Oog, announces military action against SSC-Khaatumo

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Somaliland deploys more forces to Oog, announces military action against SSC-Khaatumo

OOG (HORN OBSERVER) – Somaliland has dispatched additional troops to the frontline in the Oog district of the Togdheer region, where tensions have escalated between the Somaliland army and the SSC-Khatumo administration.

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Somaliland deploys new forces into Oog frontline. Somaliland says it plans military action in Laascaanood. Photo 5 September, 2023.

OOG (HORN OBSERVER) – Somaliland has dispatched additional troops to the frontline in the Oog district of the Togdheer region, where tensions have escalated between the Somaliland army and the SSC-Khatumo administration.

This move comes following the takeover of Laascaanood town in the Sool region by SSC-Khatumo forces supported by clan fighters last month.

The fresh deployment of Somaliland forces to Oog comprises troops drawn from various Somaliland towns, including newly trained soldiers.

On Tuesday, the Somaliland army commander, General Nuh Ismail Taani, along with Interior Minister Mohamed Kahin and Defense Minister Abdiqani Mohamud Caateeye, addressed these troops stationed in Oog.

They conveyed their intentions to launch an operation aimed at "liberating the city of Laascaanood,” which serves as the capital of the Sool region and is currently held by SSC-Khatumo forces.

General Nuux Taani, addressing the new recruits in Oog, urged them to be prepared for a tough battle alongside the army.

General Nuux Taani, addressing the newly deployed forces in Oog on Tuesday 5 September 2023, urged them to be prepared for a tough battle alongside the army.

General Nuh Tani expressed hope that within a week, their forces would achieve victory against SSC-Khatumo.

The Somaliland Minister of Internal Affairs, Mohamed Kaahin, emphasized that this army forms part of a larger force recently deployed to the Oog frontline facing SSC-Khatumo.

He assured the soldiers of unwavering support, stating, "Today, every city in Somaliland is supporting the army. We stand by you.”

Across Somaliland, war drums are sounding, and the prospect of a full-scale conflict between Somaliland and SSC-Khatumo appears increasingly likely.

Somaliland’s Interior Minister, Mohamed Kaahin addresses newly deployed forces in Oog on Tuesday 5 September, 2023.

In a televised commentary on Tuesday, Somaliland asserted that "the victory of the allied groups in Laascaanood will be short-lived,” alluding to the recent capture of Laascaanood by SSC-Khatumo forces, comprised of Dhulbahante and other Daarood clans’ fighters.

Earlier in the week, politicians, including Feysal Ali Warabe, Chairman of the UCID Party, visited Oog frontline and vowed that Somaliland forces would advance toward Garowe, the capital of Puntland.

In response, SSC-Khatumo’s newly established leadership has declared readiness to confront Somaliland. The region’s leader Abdikadir Ahmed Firdhiye warned that should Somaliland move its forces toward the Sool region, they would respond decisively.

Officials in Laascaanood have postponed the expected return of displaced locals due to the renewed threat of armed conflict following Somaliland’s recent actions.

SSC-Khatumo assumed control of the entire Sool region on August 25, marking the end of Somaliland’s 15-year rule in Laascaanood.

In the course of last month’s battle, SSC-Khatumo forces captured over 300 prisoners and a substantial cache of weapons from Somaliland forces.