Somaliland fabricates intelligence in a desperate attempt to justify an impending offensive against the SSC regions. This move follows SSC-Khaatumo forces overrunning Somaliland’s Gooja’adde base on 25 August, which prompted Somaliland to withdraw towards the border between Isaaq and Dhulbahante territories. Somaliland now released a statement, which many perceive as an attempt to legitimise their prior and future aggression against the SSC-Khaatumo administration and its people.
Hargeisa, Somaliland, SOMALIA. By Yahya:
The recent statement of Somaliland’s Ministry of Interior alleges that approximately 600 insurgents, led by Fuad Mohamed Qalaf ‘Shangole’, a prominent figure within al-Shabaab, operate in Las Anod along with local administration. The statement further claims that Shangole’s objective is to train local militants in explosives preparation and establish an al-Shabaab foothold in the mountains of Erigavo (Ceerigaabo) and Sanaag.
Multiple reliable sources in Las Anod immediately rejected these claims, calling them complete nonsense. These sources affirmed the absence of Fuad Qalaf or any other extremist elements in the region. Experts specialising in al-Shabaab analysis have also noted that Fuad Qalaf is currently located in southern Somalia.
Act of desperation
Research institutions specialising in conflict analysis had previously warned that Somaliland might attempt to frame its activities in Las Anod as a fight against international terrorism to gain support from key international partners. The Hiraal Institute warned against this in May, suggesting that Somaliland might seek to capitalise on international concerns and build support for its military operation.
When the Hiraal Institute published the report in May, there was no concrete evidence linking al-Shabaab to any side in the Las Anod conflict. Reliable sources in Las Anod have now confirmed that this situation remains unchanged.
Analysts believe that Somaliland’s dissemination of fabricated intelligence reveals their desperation to justify their defeat in Gooja’adde. Many see the allegations of extremist elements in Las Anod as a pretext for launching another offensive against the SSC regions and their new administration under the guise of counterterrorism efforts. Tensions in the region continue to mount, raising concerns about the potential for further violence and instability.
