BREAKING: SSC-Khatumo forces this morning captured the Gooja’adde military base, where Somaliland troops were stationed. The outpost has been a crucial strategic base for Somaliland forces, which have waged war on Las Anod since February.
Las Anod, Sool region, SOMALIA. By Yahya:
- SSC-Khatumo forces reportedly captured Faisal Abdi Botan, the commander of the Somaliland forces
- Locals spotted SSC-Khatumo forces in Yagoori, 70 km from Las Anod
- The president of SSC-Khatumo has arrived at the border between the Isaaq & Dhulbahante clans, 21 km from the town of Oog
- The Somaliland army is being driven out of all Dhulbahante inhabited areas
This morning, pictures and videos emerged on social media, showing SSC-Khatumo fighters capturing Somaliland soldiers and their critical base. Other photos displayed the base’s interior, including a medical facility (pictured below), proving that the SSC-Khatumo forces successfully overtook it. The capture of Gooja’adde is the most significant blow to the self-proclaimed government in Hargeisa since the conflict for the disputed city of Las Anod started.
Today’s fight started at approximately 5 am when Somaliland forces attacked the Las Anod city from three fronts. Fierce battles were unleashed on all fronts in what some described as Somaliland’s last attempt to capture the city.
Unconfirmed reports also indicate that Somaliland’s President, Muse Bihi Abdi, directed the speaker of Somaliland’s Lower House of Parliament, Yasin Haji Mohamoud, to inform the media that Somaliland forces voluntarily withdrew from Gooja’adde under the President’s orders.
Somaliland’s atrocities in Las Anod
On 16 August, the Somaliland army bombarded the city of Las Anod, killing Somalia’s prominent poet, Jama Kediye. Mr Kediye became famous for creating the ‘Saar’ rhythmic poetry form. Born in Las Anod, he became a respected poet throughout the Horn of Africa nation and one of the few poets who composed and performed this type of art.
The tragic incident came only days after Somaliland killed another prominent elder. Indiscriminate shelling of Las Anod targeted civilian infrastructure, hitting a residence adjacent to Faayow Hospital and a small tea shop. According to the Somali Digest sources, the bombardment claimed the life of a revered 85-year-old elder of Las Anod, Jama Digale.
