New defections from the Somaliland army have been reported in the Southern Sanaag region of Somaliland. According to reports seen by the Somali Digest, more Somaliland soldiers are joining the Garhajis militias. Moreover, the Ga’an Libaah forces allegedly captured a Somaliland Police vehicle.
Southern Sanaag, SOMALIA. By Yahya:
The rebels announced their newest front in Southern Sanaag, posting photos and videos on social media. More defections, although in smaller numbers, also occurred in Las Anod. Bakayle Media posted a video of two soldiers who allegedly defected from Somaliland’s Goja’ade base near Las Anod. The two surrendered to the SSC-Khatumo administration, explaining their aim to join the Ga’an Libaah movement.
Despite the establishment of an administration now overseeing Las Anod affairs, Somaliland remains obstinate in refusing to acknowledge the reality on the ground. The self-proclaimed state itself continues to decline the recognition of the SSC-Khatumo state. Analysts point out that the government in Hargeisa overplayed their cards, believing in their sovereignty while caught off guard when other ethnic groups within their self-proclaimed state also sought independence.
Friday and Sunday incidents
In a separate incident on Sunday, the so-called Ga’an Libaah forces captured a Somaliland Police vehicle in the Go’Da-Weyn district. The officers, purportedly engaging in reconnaissance activities in the area, had to retreat as the insurgents approached. The rebels reclaimed the vehicle and drove it to their mountainous hideout.
On Friday, nine Somaliland soldiers died in renewed clashes with the Garhajis militiamen. According to Somaliland officials, additional seventeen soldiers sustained injuries. The rebel faction maintained that only one of its members was injured. However, the Somali Digest could not independently verify these figures.
Somaliland’s police commander, Gen. Mohamed Aden Saqadhi Dabagale, told the media that the rebel group ambushed Somaliland officers in Go’da Yar, a village located approximately 120 km from Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital.
