Wednesday May 10, 2023
Las Anod (HOL) - Somaliland's commissioner of education for the Sool region, Dahir Mohamed Ahmed, defected to the SCC-Khatumo movement on Wednesday.
Traditional elders, including the mayor of Las Anod Abdihakin Ali Ismail, and members of the military officers welcomed him in Las Anod, where he declared his participation in the struggle of the Sool, Sanaag, and Ayn people to reunite with the federal government.
"I have returned to my region. Thank you for the beautiful way you welcomed me. I will participate in the struggle to liberate the region," he said.
The mayor of Las Anod, Abdihakim Ali Ismael, urged the commissioner to join the fight against the government of Somaliland, which he accused of massacring civilians and regions.
"Welcome to the students you have been leading, divided into three parts. One part was destroyed by the Somali administration, a mass grave, and the third part stood to defend their regions. Today, those welcoming you are the students who stand to fight against Somaliland," he said.
The mayor reiterated that the SCC-Khatumo forces would organize warfare to end the fight against Somaliland.
Last week, a military commander from Somaliland and an undisclosed number of defected military personnel joined forces with the SCC-Khatumo troops in the Sool region. Abdi Madobe, a commander of the SCC-Khatumo forces, expressed gratitude to the defected commander and his troops for their collaboration with local forces.
Territorial disputes and political disagreements between Somaliland and the SCC-Khatumo militia have increased tensions in Las Anod. Since the SCC declared on February 5 that they would no longer recognize the Somaliland Administration, heavy fighting has continued.