SSC-Khaatumo Releases 25 Somaliland Prisoners of War

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 15 April 2025 20:09

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SSC-Khaatumo Releases 25 Somaliland Prisoners of War

LAS ANOD, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – The SSC-Khaatumo administration has released 25 prisoners of war who were captured during the 2023 conflict between SSC-Khaatumo forces and Somaliland.

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The SSC-Khaatumo administration has released 25 prisoners of war who were captured during the 2023 conflict between SSC-Khaatumo forces and Somaliland.

LAS ANOD, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) – The SSC-Khaatumo administration has released 25 prisoners of war who were captured during the 2023 conflict between SSC-Khaatumo forces and Somaliland.

The battle, which lasted more than nine months and took place in the city of Lasanod, led to the defeat of Somaliland forces in August 2023.

SSC-Khaatumo captured more than 300 Somaliland prisoners, who were being held in a detention facility in Lasanod.

The release of the 25 prisoners was announced in a joint statement issued by the Federal Government of Somalia and SSC-Khaatumo.

"The SSC-Khaatumo administration, after consultation with its governing councils, has handed over 25 prisoners captured during the fighting with Somaliland to the Federal Government of Somalia,” the press release stated.

The statement coincided with the conclusion of a two-day visit to Lasanod by Somalia’s Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.

According to the press release, SSC-Khaatumo decided to release the prisoners due to their health conditions.

SSC-Khaatumo said the decision was made in consideration of the ongoing peacebuilding initiative.

It remains unclear what will happen to the other prisoners still in SSC-Khaatumo’s custody.

Meanwhile, Somaliland is also holding individuals from the Lasanod area in detention in Hargeisa.

There have been calls from members of the international community urging SSC-Khaatumo and Somaliland to engage in dialogue to resolve their disputes and release all detainees held by both sides.

Lasanod was previously part of Somaliland, which had declared separation from Somalia.

However, since the beginning of 2024, the Federal Government has recognized it as part of a Somali federal member state.