Hiiraan Online
2/6/2025
Today from Hiiraan Online:
Home
Somali Map
Sports
Opinion
RSS
Somali Music
Contact Us
Facebook
Twitter
Google Plus
advertisements
SSC Khaatumo forces claim victory over Somaliland in Shangeed clashes
539 Shares
Facebook
Facebook messenger
Twitter
WhatsApp
LinkedIn
Telegram
Email
Friday January 31, 2025
FILE - Najib Barkhadle, SSC Khaatumo’s Minister of Information
Mogadishu (HOL) — SSC Khaatumo forces claimed a major victory over Somaliland troops following
intense fighting
on Thursday in the contested Shangeed area, with both sides reporting heavy losses as the conflict in northern Somalia shows no signs of abating.
The full extent of casualties remains unclear, as both sides have reported losses but provided conflicting accounts. Independent verification is pending. Residents described prolonged exchanges of gunfire throughout the morning, with several posting videos and updates on social media documenting the clashes.
Speaking at a press conference, Najib Barkhadle, SSC Khaatumo’s Minister of Information, said their forces had successfully repelled a Somaliland offensive, capturing 54 light firearms and taking several prisoners. “We delivered a heavy blow to Somaliland’s forces, inflicting significant casualties and seizing their weapons,” Barkhadle told reporters.
Barkhadle alleges that the attack began when Somaliland troops advanced on SSC Khaatumo positions but were forced to retreat to the Qorilugud area after suffering both fatalities and injuries.
“We want to be clear—if the provocations and destabilizing actions persist, our forces will respond with the full force necessary to protect our territories,” he warned, adding that SSC Khaatumo will not tolerate further aggression.
Barkhadle also accused Somaliland of regional destabilization, alleging that its military actions have negatively impacted neighbouring countries, including Ethiopia.
In a conflicting narrative, Somaliland’s Special Security Battalion (SSB) claimed to have captured SSC Khaatumo fighters and seized vehicles during the same skirmish. They showcased their captives as evidence of their success in the confrontation.
At the core of the conflict is the contested status of the SSC regions—Sool, Sanaag, and parts of Cayn—which Somaliland claims as part of its self-declared republic, citing colonial-era boundaries. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains internationally unrecognized. In contrast, SSC Khaatumo, officially recognized by the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) in October 2023, seeks self-governance within Somalia’s federal system, rejecting Somaliland’s authority.
The conflict has already taken a heavy toll on civilians. According to the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), repeated clashes have displaced thousands, overwhelmed local health services, and disrupted access to clean water and food supplies.
Despite intermittent peace initiatives, including those led by clan elders and international mediators, no lasting agreement has been reached. The latest fighting follows weeks of heightened rhetoric and troop mobilization, further exacerbating tensions.
Home
Email