Fresh fighting in northern Somalia leaves 5 dead

ERIGAVO, Somalia - The SSC-Khatumo forces clashed with Somaliland regional troops at Goof District within Sanaag, officials said, leading to the death of five people, in what could trigger chaos in the northern state of Somalia.

The Sanaag region has been under contest between local forces and those allied to SSC-Khatumo, which is fighting for self-determination from the breakaway region of Somaliland, which is also keen to get independence.

According to sources, violence erupted early morning when SSC-Khatumo forces launched an attack leading to the death of a man known as Geele Egeh Dawan, officials said while narrating the event of the day.

The confrontation quickly intensified, leading to the deaths of four more individuals who had mobilized in defense of the district. The SSC-Khaatumo forces reportedly seized two vehicles during the clash.

According to reports, the SSC-Khatumo forces raided the Somaliland military base at Erigabo, where one of the attackers was killed. The militia is said to have also driven away camels grazing within the vicinity during the fight.

The SSC-Khatumo, while condemning the actions, accused the Somaliland military of targeting civilians within the Erigabo and Goof Districts. Protesters were also killed early this week within the vicinity, the SSC-Khatumo said in a statement.

"The SSC-Khaatumo Administration will not tolerate the blatant aggressions occurring in Ceerigaabo, the warmongering provocations, and the aggressions from the Somaliland terrorists," the administration declared in the press release issued by its Ministry of Information.

The statement further alleged that the violence was incited by Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi during his recent visit to the region. Bihi is facing re-election later in November and his party; Kulmiye, has lost significant ground in the recent past.

The regional administration maintains that it will work hard to defend its territorial integrity and sovereignty from the local Somaliland forces. "We are monitoring the situation closely and will defend ourselves," the statement emphasized.

GAROWE ONLINE