Las Anod, Somalia – The President of the SSC-Khaatumo regional administration, Abdiqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali (Firdhiye), officially welcomed 11 Puntland soldiers who were released in a prisoner exchange deal between Puntland and Somaliland. The prisoners were captured during the 2023 conflict in the Sool region.

Firdhiye gave this welcome speech at the opening of the 3rd Session of the SSC-Khaatumo Parliament, which took place on May 3, 2025 in Las Anod.Firdhiye described the released prisoners as “brave freedom fighters” who had emerged from the hands of what he called “anti-Somali enemies.”

He expressed gratitude to all parties involved in securing their release and extended special thanks to Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, whom he credited for playing a leading role in facilitating the prisoner swap.

“The SSC-Khaatumo administration is committed to peaceful coexistence with its neighbors and respects those who recognize its cause and sovereignty,” Firdhiye stated.

The official exchange, held on April 30, 2025, saw Puntland release 15 prisoners, while Somaliland freed 11 detainees previously captured from Puntland. The prisoners had been held since the armed conflict between Somaliland forces and SSC-Khaatumo troops allied with Puntland.

This exchange followed an earlier goodwill gesture by SSC-Khaatumo, which unconditionally released 25 war prisoners to Somaliland after a visit by Prime Minister Barre to Las Anod — a move praised as a step toward easing tensions in the region.