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Somaliland National army defeats SSC militia
May 29, 2011 · 40 Comments
Hargeisa(SomalilandPress)–The Somaliland National Army at Gambadhe, a settlement that is 35km east of Laasanod , was attacked by the Sool, Sanaag & Cool (SSC) militia, a rebel group is opposed to the Government in Hargeisa. A division of the Army and the SSC group fought in Gambadhe on Thursday night. As news sources confirmed, there were casualties on both sides. Abdullahi Jama Dirie, the governor of Sool region, whom we questioned about the skirmish said ; “…the Army at Gambadhe defended the country and themselves against enemy attack. On our side, one soldier was killed and another was wounded. There are also casualties on their side, but it was difficult to tell exactly how many of them were killed and injured. This was an ambush and the army did not expect such a speedy attack. However, they resisted and finally defeated them.” Mr Abdullahi went on to describe how the Army endured a series of rapid hit-and-run methods and that these are believed to have started from Buuhoodle.
As the governor said that the wounded soldier was taken to a hospital in Laasanod for treatment. He added that the overall security level in the region is good and better than it was few days ago. As news sources from the SSC side say, the group was led by Ali Sabarey and have returned to their base from where they launched the attack; many believe that Buuhoodle is the home for this anti-peace militias.
This is not the first time SSC has attacked the army. SSC have made several attempts to defeat the army, but they have thus far failed due to lack of cohesion and weapons. The attacks have highlighted the need the Army to review is intelligence gathering processes, but generally reflect well on the Army’s preparedness to deal with attacks launched by militias against Somaliland.
Somalilandpress | 28 May 2011
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By Mo Guled
Tags: Somaliland, Somalilandpress, SSC militia
Readers Comments (40)
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Victory belongs to the nationalists, defeats belongs to the tratiors.
Darood Nunaafiks who use nationalism, Islam and brotherhood as a tools to hide their tribal ENVY and who kill worshipers as they come out of Mosques deserve to be put down like DOGS!
Victory belongs to the nationalists
Defeats belongs to the tratiors
Democratic society use their votes as a fighting tool,, but unfortunately in Africa there are view people who favor the AK47 as a solution to get their desire.
I praise the work of Somaliland's national force and i am so sure one day you will achieve your goal for making all the region civilized and democratic Africa.
I think its high time that we dealt with this issue in a clear light. As a proud Somalilander 100% in favour of a unified Somaliland state (with the integrity of our colonial borders maintained) which is all inclusive and where representation it universal: we need a permanent solution. After many discussions with people from the SSC regions while abroad it has come to light that many of them are sitting on the fence and view our actions as aggressive. While I have a completely different opinion, I don't believe that we will able to convince the other side solely via military action.
I applaud our success in defending ourselves during this recent skirmish, however, I think the time has come for us to make even more progress on the diplomatic level. We have to inform those who feel disfranchised (even if they are Diaspora who are clueless to the facts on the ground) that when the time is right we will revisit this issue and resolve it in a mutually beneficial way. Tell them to put down their guns and engage in dialogue with us so that we can work towards resolving their issues.
As a product of self-determination, we have to explore both their motives and grievances. I think its prudent that we inform them that we also support their right to self-determination so long as it falls in line with democratic ideals and that when Somaliland has had the opportunity to show these regions the benefit of membership (thanks to having both a 'real' and competent administration for the first time). We need to vow to hold a referendum once the region is secure and free from self-interested militias and groups whose goals are to destabilise the entire region. If they really want to secede then who are we to deny them what is currently denied to us?
Maxamuud-Aar
That is weak man talk…The territorial integrity and sovereignty of Somaliland is not negotiable
Hello Faisal,
What would you propose is the other option then? I also agree with you at the moment that the integrity of our borders is non-negociable, but what if the people who live there decide like we have that they don't want to be a part of the success story that is Somaliland?
Should we force them? Go to war? Also, if you read my entire comment you would've gotten the gyst that if we take a less heavy-handed approach to the conflict with them that they will see for themselves that it is in their own interest to remain a part of Somaliland.
Were they to vote to secede, as much as I hate the idea, my ideals would prevent me from denying them their right if that was what they chose in a fair and free election. Would it be hypocrisy of us to deny them this same right that we demand on a daily basis?
There is nothing weak about this, and you obviously aren't currently in the front line. We have to think about our long-term strategy in dealing with our neighbours in order for there to be a sustainable peace in the future or it's going to be our children dying in wars that could've easily been avoided.
Maxamuud-Aar
You are right in some points but what if awdal also say they want a vote and both Sool and eastern sanaag becomes independent at the end it means that every clan can become a country. And that is why the African Union says that one should not change borders inherited from colonial powers.
And its not all of the Dhulbahante that is against Somaliland.
I am aware of this walaal. I even know Dulbahanta who were high ranking SNM Officials. The argument remains that we have to afford people the same rights as we would want afforded to us.
I think that if we send the message that ‘we will allow you to make the decision yourselves’ while at the same time showing them tangible reasons why they ought not to, there won’t be a single secessionist remaining in any of the regions, and they will respond favourably towards Somaliland and listen to its government instead of the warmongering Diaspora who fund these rebel groups.
From what I know, the MAJORITY of Dhulbahante actually here support Somaliland and its only a few who are abroad that are creating this mischief.
With that said, even if for some unimaginable reason they voted to secede from Somaliland, they have the right to chose to do so as much as we are against it.
i agree with u 100percent same rights for all
I don't agree with the idea of balkanising Somaliland. Somaliland by itself is a nation and not a union of many districts. In 1960 we voluntarily threw away our indepence and "united" with our southern neighbours for a betterment of the Somali speaking people. That venture did not work and we have retaken our independence from that terrible union.
Somaliland people of Sool and Sanaag have a right to choose their leaders, freedom to live their life whatever way they want, but like any other region, district, town, or village in Somaliland, they don't have the right to break Somaliland.
I agree with you as far as it goes to have a contineous dialgoue and win our brother back to thier own self determination. The Somaliland authourity should be be linent to them more than anyone…but to think of making a refrendum is pointless i disagree with you brother on this point you are a welll educated man i apprieate
@@Maxamud-Aar
Thanks for your genuine thoughts, and the deep wisdom embedded in it. It seems that Dhulbahante will never understand Somaliland from inside, until we purge them a side peacefully into the wilderness, for that either they will come back with their senses intact, or they will make themselves available to wage a proxy war against Somaliland on behalf of those who don't like us, no matter who ever they are.
Either way, Somaliland is the winner at the end, because we remind ourselves to be conscious about the general interest that is conducive for peaceful atmosphere for all, and based on our decision what Allah (swt) wants and nobody else, and expect from him the true recognition and growth. Let us allow Dhulbahante to go their way and wait the day they comeback with the crap and the disingenuous of Somaliweyn. We should refrain to hurt any body for a Fitna created by Saancadaale and left it as a time bomb.
These bloody borders are a time-bomb, let us be careful and outsmart Sancadaale.
Nothing to worry about, Allah (swt) is in full control and helps to those who pay respect to his universal rules. Dhulbahante need us, as much as we need them. Moreover, there are lots of injustices among this tribe, and unless they address it whole-heartly, they will never rest, be it in Somaliland or anywhere else. The whole politics of this clan is run by ill equipped tribal chiefs so called Garaads rather then educated minds who can see the bigger picture, can you imagine. I feel sorry for them.
Allah hu Akbar!
Allah bless Somaliland!
@Somalilander, I know you mean well, but that part of Somaliland has always been a part of it even before the union with Somalia. Hence how can they secede from what they have always been a part of? Besides the Somaliland government is not been heavy-handed at all, if you read they were resisting counter attacks from the militia in that area. I prefer that disputes are settled diplomatically, but all parties must be willing for this to work.
The reality is the Dhulus are better off with Somaliland , do you think the majerten will do them a favour , they simply will use them to undermnie somaliland and dump them . Too bad.
Dhulbahante people in sool region are innocent and victims of alshabab terror ideology in the horn of africa. because of nomadic and drought ravaged people are mostly resided in that region Alshabab/SSC warmongers took advantage out of it and recruited the youth as a militant militia.
Sadly almost 15 officers from that boarder province(sool) was assassinated and launched attacks towards military bases along side the southern boarder of the country.
However, somaliland government should have dual track approach to solve this problem,, first finding employment opportunities for the youth, building schools and rehabilitation centers, hospitals and clean drinking water. on the other hand not give mercy the terrorist groups at all.
excellent thoughts and opinions raised by every body here, may Allah help us all. What i found really sad is that it is mainly the people in the west who have roof over the head, have food and money an living in luxury that are undermining poor and innocent people in sool and sanaag and it is them who is paying the price and the ones in the west continue enjoying their luxury life and propagating more war. Somalis in the west should be the educated and smart ones who suppose to be helping people back home how to establish peace and how to not think like a clan and live together and be civilized. Somaliland is a nation and regardless of whether dulbhante are linked to puntland through harti they are our brothers and inshAllah one day we will live peacefully together as a nation and not clan clan,
lets be clear about one thing, as a proud somallander we should sta away from tribilism and look at bigger picture, we all want spmaliland to be become part of the united nations as an independent state but most of all we should treat every clan from somaliland as equals, there is no clan better than the other, but together we can achieve anything.
Some of the Dhulbahante clan are with us and some against us, so we should work harder to convince them to joint us to make our lives and the lves of our chidren better.
Somaliland should defend it self if attacked but we should refrain from clanism and descrimination.
So my answer is to use our brain and keep the guns for last option.
God bless Somaliland, Love you all!!!!!!!!
Walaal The people Sool and Sanaag they said very clear they don't want be part of Somaliland ( Isaaq) they see as tribe issue so you can't force people that don't want you. Dhulbahante and Warsangali they said we have nothing to do with Somaliland, so your arguement is that this land colonies by British and we have to be country that is not going to work walaal, British came and left Italian came and left. The only solution is leave this people land along and you will have peace otherwise things will be messy.
Warsangali and Dhulbahante they dont celebrate with Somaliland then they hold celebration your notion of half Dhulbahante are with Somaliland walaal don't fool your self and dis misguide other people, those who support Somaliland are very few minority dhulbahante their interest is money only.
As a Dhulbahante i see the whole situation as on clan trying to take our towns by force for the own reasons. Reading all your comments i see that you all think that the dhulbahante people need the isaaq, let me tell you we dont other wise why would we be creating this conflict in our regions. Dhulbahante is a clan of the harti thats why we would rather be apart of the puntland administration and puntland is not based on one clan the vice president is dhulbahante. so lets not act like where western countries we are somalis and our culture is based on triblism. the SSC is not apart of alshabab i know because i know all the people who are apart of it even my own grandfather.
Am not privy to the generational politics of somalia and or Somaliland and how all this mess came in to being. What i know though, as Kenyan Somali, and having worked in Hargeisa and Burco for a while is that the people in Somali land have made great strides in improving their lives.. for my other cousins and brother… they say you live by the gun, you die by the gun. Emulating the examples of Somaliland is good, in my opinion, for the peace loving people living in abject poverty. Many at times its the rich and the influential taking advantage of the weak.
Kudos to Somaliland
@ sharmake until a non darood becomes a president in puntland then puntland is one clan based not only one clan based but one sub-clan based lets see if we can find a hawiye president in puntland or hawiye minster….the ex great leader of somaliland for 8eyars is gadabursi and many minsters are non issaq and you talking about dulbahante as a vice president in puntland. you r entitled to your opinion n what u want. whats important to us is that Somaliland is peace and is growing economically and inshAllah with recognition it will flourish in every aspect
Folks, lets not forget SSC is also populated by non Darod clans such as Abarjeclo and Habaryonis. If non Isacs don't want the The SL government, let them air their grievances in a civilized manner – thru the palot box! SL is non divisible period!
Somalia was a failed state for the last 20 years, 20 years of lawless and warlords and pirates, 20 years of fundamentalist. So let us keep in mind our southern border will always be a hostile to danger. our national forces braves face regular battles with devil supporters,, brave to mention today for late afternoon they took special operation called (lion's slap) to release somaliland citizen held by a group of land pirates some where in the southern border of somaliland.
God bless somaliland.
correction;; the attack was made by the pirateland and somaliland's men and women in uniform responded bravely..
it is somehow bit weird when the disease that killed somalia re emerges in this debates, those who are against somaliland always brandish the clan slogans, they must know somaliland out grownd tribal politics and is not like puntland clan enclave or galmudug. we operate in nation wise and would not allow the tribal perceptions of those who go against somaliland. we must defend somaliland in that manner.
Defending Somaliland from what? no one is against S.land to become successful region and any administration that working there is working on behalf of Somalis as far as I concern. Where we disagreed is that people who are trying to come up their own borders. As far as clan goes, we all belong to clans and there isn't wrong with it. Depending how people use it make difference, there are no differences Somaliland and Somalia. Why would one try to force his/her idea on others. You see an independent Somaliland but we see more problems broaching our people. You see British borders, we see Somalia as whole;therefore this is idea based that will never be solved other than every region decides for its own. Beyond British borders, people have no other valuable to sale and it's the time people accept the reality. No wars, yes to peace, No Somaliland, Yes to regional decisions; thorewise, keep claiming other Somalis areas untill the world ends.
The SSC was created to try and destabilize the region. I don't think this is what they tell their recruiters. The SSC is financed by Diaspora who do not wish for Somaliland to gain recognition especially whilst Somalia is falling apart. Main reason is the extent of lies or exaggerations which are not from people who just want "their" land. It is from people who wish to look for reasons, hence the desperate misinformation and dire guise they use. I don't buy they just want their land when there is plenty already they have no people for nor d they have ability to anything with. So no amount of dialogue will help them get what they want which is to stop S/land or delay S/land getting recognition whilst Somalia sorts or if it sorts its problems.
Before everyone gets off track here are a few points:
1. SSC is not SOLEY owned by Dhulbhante and Warsengali. ISAAQ live and also have claims!
2. The SSC do not want somaliyweyne. They want ANYTHING that is not ISAAQ. They would gladly side with Al shabab, puntland, OLNF etc ANYONE and anything that can help them conquer the entire SSC. They have even claimed BURCO go god sake!
3. In all of his interviews, Salabeen has always referred to Somaliland forces as the ISAAQ as if to say that no Dhulbhante are members and no Gadbursi exist in Somaliland. As for the Pro-Somaliland Dhulbhante, this group has always been referred to as traitors and have been killed in all locations – outside mosques, ramadan etc.
4. Salabeen, has presidential ambitions. He has already called himself the president of the SSC region! What ever happened to Somaliweyne!
In summary, the peaceful Dhulbhante have and will continue to come around to the peaceful ways of doing things in Somaliland. As for these cowards who kill people after breaking their fast in Ramadan, as they leave Mosques, and call on a DAROOD- ISAAQ war, THERE WILL NEVER BE PEACE BETWEEN US!
The SSC, Puntland, Al shabab, and TFG don't want peace and never have. These people don't know what nation building is! All they know is 1 thing – WE DON'T KNOW HOW TO BUILD and SO ISAAQ SHOULDN'T BE ALLOWED TO! All that Somaliweyne talk is utter nonsense and they don't have a SINGLE honest bone in their body.
The DAY any Darood tribe accepts a potential Hawiya president is the day we can talk nationhood! But since either group can't accept the other, to each his own! SL,PL, Galmudug etc. Live and let live! As for the SSC, don't get it twisted, Somaliland forces have more bullets then Buhoodle has people. So keep coming now until yum Alqiyamah.
Part 1
Look at history, actions and then judge on whether Somaliland has the right to separate or not. The people of Somaliland traditionally been unionists in their heart, but their brothers are dishonest! Said Barre is dead, but his mentality still lives.
1. SSC say UNITY, but fight only for tribal ambitions! Is calling on all tribes to fight against Isaaq conducive to peace?
2. How about supporting piracy, killing warsengali for oil ambitions and then claiming to be fighting for the unity of Somalia as well as the rights of fellow Harti? Puntland has done this with ease and even called on a foreign army to enter Mogadishu to attack the islamic courts (when they were good).
3. TFG has been spending its resources robbing the locals blind, shelling markets, and telling foreign nations not to trade with Somaliland. They have also been supplying the SSC with weapons. Now how are these the actions of a government that SHOULD be representing Somalia on the world stage?
Despite all the skirmishes, wars, droughts, famine, displacement, poverty and lack of NATIONAL government we as a people still can't fine common ground or interest. This is fact and not trash talk! If you peel all this unity talk like an onion you will find money, greed, presidential and tribal ambitions at the core.
Let's breakdown the SSC propaganda:
CLAIMS:
1. Somaliland is a 1 tribe project.
2. Somaliland's existence damages the idea of nationalism
3. The ISAAQ want to divide the nation and they are the cause the nation's disunity.
4. The Isaaq simply want to dominate the other tribes namely Gadbursi and harti.
FACTS:
1) Somaliland consists of multiple tribes who have lived together in peace for centuries – Gadbursi, Isaaq, Dhulbhante and Warsengali
2) Their were conflicts and wars taking place in all parts of Somalia even in the early 90's and the actions of all the various groups fighting for power can not be attributed to Somaliland's success and progress. There is no correlation. APPLES & ORGANGES
– Piracy can not be blamed on Somaliland
– TFG's weakness and corruption can not be blamed on Somaliland
– The internal struggle within the Hawiya tribe can not be blamed on Somaliland
– Amison's killing of innocent civilians can not be blamed on Somaliland
– The IDPs drowning in sea and being killed by their fellow tribesmen …….
3. The truth is hard to swallow, but our nation has been divided for decades. Just not officially, but who really cares right! The worst and most dangerous way a nation could be divided is not on the map, but in the HEART! No one can deny this. If we were united in our hearts, our countries problems would have been solved along time ago. Unfortunately, the MUNAFIQS sadly outnumber the good in our little nation and it appears history might repeat itself in the near future with all these tribal slogans been shouted.
4. The Somaliland political system is not perfect and no one has claimed it was. However, unlike the rest of the nation, dialogue is taking place. Currently, the number of political parties is being discussed. The youth, university, academics, women and elders are being asked – what they think about the idea?
continued..
Part 2
Unfortunately, however, many other groups and regional administrations have opted to ignite fitnah between the tribes instead of supporting and praising such progress in an otherwise sad country.
– Did Somaliland declare war on the Dhulbhante and Warsengali? No!
– Did Somaliland inform all non-isaaq tribes that they could not participate in the political process or run for president? No!
– Has Somaliland allocate its resources in any way to would demonstrate any sort of bias or discrimination towards other tribes? No!
Recently, Somaliland hosted a Hawiya reconciliation conference on its soil. Why? We aren't southerns and their troubles aren't ours..right. Why haven't either the TFG and Puntland done this? And why has Somaliland taken in so many IDPs who didn't give us a penny after Said Barre destroyed us, Who also sold and bought our cars and furniture on the black market as the Barre soldiers robbed us blind?
The answer is patriotism! It was Somaliland that called on unity after the Europeans left! When any good news is mentioned coming out of Somalia its SOMALILAND! When IDPs flee from their OWN regions and tribesmen it's SOMALILAND that has sheltered them. When Galamudug wanted to see first hand how a regional administration should be run, the president came to Somaliland! When solutions to piracy are discussed SOMALILAND is whispered. Finally, when aid agencies want to ensure aid is effectively delivered to the needy, who do they turn to? SOMALILAND!
Simply calling someone a TRAITOR or SOMALIDEED does not make FACT! Are only disagreement is that we believe we should be allowed to walk our own path and nothing else. These various groups say "we should all live in the same house cause we are all Somali" and we say " dear brothers your people are running to our region and other countries and all you do is kill on land and the high seas, so why should we risk our safety and that of our family AGAIN on empty words?"
I cannot speak for other ISAAQ, but for me, this is a good enough reason to go to FULL WAR and DIE over the issue of separation. Put in its proper context, the issue of separation deals with whether or not I am willing to delegate the protection of my family and people to some groups I don't trust and by ALLAH the answer is NO and will ALWAYS be NO! That's what it is! No offense to anyone.
Well said Warya, beside campaigning for hartism and with intentions of land grabbing, Darood have this unsubstantiated fear of Isaaq. Simply because they know the magnitude of the damage and destruction in lives wealth they have cause.
Although they were told that despite what happened we have forgiven you and will give a clean slate page they still believe that one day sooner or later Isaaq will get them with vengeance and they are not help themselves either by attacking and disturbing the peace and tranquillity in Somaliland. Because we will defend our country and livelihood with great vengeance. So, waxa u dan ah inay dadkooda dhinac ka raacaan! Haddii kale waxan leenahay, bring it on ciddii ka faa'iida ha la argee!
well said. Somaliland will succeed IshAllah and Allah acknowledges us
stop crying and be a man.
@ showbe248
You are getting things twisted like a typical brainless tribalist. I am explaining to you the history and facts of the current conflict not because the SSC is actually a threat, but because I am sick of hearing SSC supporters crying when they hear double digit deaths of their tribesmen. They go demonstrate to the British, cry on Universal TV and scream MASSACRE! They even try to pass off pictures of dead people from the south as their own lol!
So who really cries? SL forces or the SSC losers who much rather prefer to kill someone leaving a Mosque than actually fighting like MEN. I am sorry, but neither you nor your clansmen can teach anyone from Somaliland anything about manhood!
@ Warya brother, people with such bad intentions and negative views never progress in life. They always blame others to justify their miserable existence. For people like those, you cannot expect good things happening to them when all they do is wish evil to others. Just see what is happening to them. It is a self-infliction of punishment from God in return for their wrong doings. People with negative thoughts always get back what they sow! And as the Arabs says: Min shar acmaalihum yilquun!
@showbe248
Learn to appreciate the facts (thanks to Warya)……and respond like a MAN!
Long Live Somaliland!
SOMALILAND ARMY IS VERY EXPENSIVE IN THE DEFENCE OF NATIONALE