SSC-Khatumo announces end of hostilities in Sool, Sanag, and Cayn regions
Tuesday August 29, 2023
Las Anod (AX) – The administration of SSC-Khatumo has made an announcement declaring an end to the conflict in the regions of Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn, collectively known as SCC-Khatumo. This comes after eight months of fighting between Northern Somalia and SCC forces in Las Anod, located in the Sool region.
In a statement released on Monday, the administration informed the Federal Government of Somalia, the international community, and the Somali people about the cessation of what they called “Northern Somalia’s war of aggression.” They asserted that they have safeguarded their own dignity and the sovereignty of Somalia.
The SSC-Khaatumo administration also stated that they are taking proactive measures to restore stability in the affected areas. These measures include a strategic withdrawal of their forces from Las Anod, facilitating the return of displaced individuals, and launching initiatives for social support.
The administration reassured that detainees will receive proper treatment and have their rights observed in accordance with Islamic law, Somali customs, and global norms.
“Those prisoners who have committed war crimes in the areas of SSC-Khaatumo are currently in the custody of security and justice agencies and will face justice. Among the weapons seized from Northern Somalia on August 25, 2023, were tanks, artillery, and other heavy weaponry. These will soon be handed over to the SSC defense troops and displayed,” stated the release.
The SSC-Khaatumo administration emphasized that they have no intention to encroach on land belonging to neighboring clans and will respect Northern Somalia’s borders.
“Our goal is to engage in cooperation regarding trade, security, and other common issues while living peacefully alongside one another. However, we strongly caution against the provision of supplies and weapons by the Northern Somalia administration. We will not tolerate any attacks from them,” they added.
International partners have vehemently condemned the recent escalation of the conflict between the Somali army and local fighters in Las Anod, a town in northern Somalia under the control of Northern Somalia. The local fighters claim to have taken control of the Gojacade base on the outskirts of Las Anod.
These partners, including the African Union, United Nations, and European Union, have urged all parties to agree to an immediate and unconditional cease-fire. “We call for an end to the mobilization of fighters and the provision of supplies and weapons,” they stated in a joint communiqué issued in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, on Sunday evening.
The fighting in Las Anod, which has resulted in the displacement of thousands of individuals, has been ongoing since February 6, when local clan elders declared their separation from Northern Somalia and their alignment with the government of Somalia in the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions.
