The Ministry of Security and Defense of the SSC-Khaatumo administration raises the alarm about the mobilisation of Somaliland forces in Qorilugud. According to the Ministry, the mobilisation is genuine and serious, indicating an impending attack on the SSC territories. The Ministry assured the SSC-Khaatumo administration and armed forces’ readiness to defend the dignity and honour of its people and territory.
Las Anod, Sool region, SSC-Khaatumo, SOMALIA.
Earlier reports have indicated that Somaliland has initiated the reorganisation of troops in the Qorilugud area of the Togdheer region, raising concerns about the impending renewal of the conflict with SSC-Khaatumo.
The Ministry of Security and Defense statement calls on the international community and other concerned parties to recognise that the consequences of any conflict would solely rest on the Hargeisa administration. It emphasised that the SSC-Khaatumo administration remains committed to upholding peace and stability in all areas under its control, as well as in areas shared with others.
Nonetheless, the administration called upon the residents to prepare to defend their land, dignity, and honour.
The Ministry’s statement comes amid increasing tensions at the border areas between SSC-Khaatumo and Somaliland, particularly in Erigavo (Ceerigaabo). Major General Noah Ismail Tani, the commander of the Somaliland Army, visited Erigavo to inspect the troops. He transferred their command from General Muse Jama Delef to Brigadier General Abdullahi Sufi.
Tensions on the rise
Additionally, the Somali Digest reported on the hostile rhetoric of Somaliland’s Colonel Said Awil Jama Arre earlier today. The former rebel leader returned from Turkey and received a warm welcome from the Members of Somaliland’s Parliament at Hargeisa Airport. During a press conference, Col. Arre called on the people of Somaliland to take up arms. “Every capable man should carry a gun to defend the country. Numerous problems, including poor administration, flawed policies, and a lack of unity, plague the nation. It must be saved from these issues.”
The developments indicate that tensions between Somaliland and SSC-Khaatumo are steadily increasing. There are concerns that Somaliland may be preparing for a potential conflict with SSC-Khaatumo while employing tactics that could incite clan violence among the people. It appears that there is a strategic objective to rally former rebels to engage in hostilities and attempt to regain territories Somaliland lost on 25 August.
