Heavy fighting has erupted for a second consecutive day in the Ain area of Somalia, where Somaliland forces, supported by local militia, are clashing fiercely with SSC-Khatumo forces. The escalating conflict has led to substantial casualties on both sides as violence spreads across the Shangeed and Qorilugud areas near Buhoodle district.
The Somaliland government has accused SSC-Khatumo fighters of initiating hostilities by attacking Qorilugud residents, resulting in what officials describe as a forceful response from the Somaliland National Army, bolstered by local allies.
On Friday, Somaliland’s Ministry of Internal Affairs released a statement claiming that allied forces from eastern Sool launched assaults on civilians in the region, prompting immediate retaliation.
“The allied groups and terrorists in the eastern city of Las Anod attacked the people of Qorilugud area on Thursday. In response, the area’s residents and the Somaliland National Army inflicted heavy losses on the allied groups,” stated the Ministry.
The renewed violence, the ministry further alleged, has been spurred by Mogadishu’s interference, aimed at destabilizing Somaliland’s electoral process ahead of national elections slated for November 2024.
So far, SSC-Khatumo has not responded to the allegations or clarified their involvement in the ongoing skirmishes.
