Somaliland Confirms Ongoing Talks to Free Soldiers Captured in Las Anod Clashes
The government of Somaliland has for the first time confirmed that talks are underway aimed at securing the release of its soldiers who were captured in the city of Las Anod, the administrative capital of SSC-Khaatumo (North-East Somalia), during last year’s fighting.
Somaliland’s Minister of Defence, Mohamed Yusuf Ali (Ilkacase), told reporters in Hargeisa that his administration is making every possible effort to facilitate the release of the detained troops. He noted that discussions were ongoing but declined to reveal who was mediating the process.
“The prisoners’ process is ongoing. The government is ready to explore every possible avenue for their release. There are many open channels, but I will not go into details at this stage,” Minister Ilka-case said.
The captured soldiers are among those who were taken prisoner during the intense battles between Somaliland forces and SSC-Khaatumo fighters that erupted early last year. Many of the captives were reportedly seized after the fall of the Goojacadde military base, one of Somaliland’s key strongholds in the Sool region, which was later captured by SSC-Khaatumo forces.
The conflict in Las Anod has been a major setback for Somaliland, which lost control of the city after months of clashes that displaced thousands of civilians and drew condemnation from regional and international actors. SSC-Khaatumo, a local administration formed by traditional leaders and community representatives, has since declared its intent to reunite with the Federal Government of Somalia, a move firmly rejected by Somaliland.
Minister Ilka-case’s remarks mark the first public acknowledgment from Somaliland officials that structured efforts are underway to negotiate the release of their detained soldiers, signaling a possible softening of tone after months of heightened tensions.
While details of the talks remain unclear, observers see the development as a potential step toward broader reconciliation between Somaliland and SSC-Khaatumo, whose long-running territorial and political dispute has deeply affected stability in northern Somalia.
