Hageysa(Mogadishu24)-The breakaway Republic of Somaliland has accused the Federal Government of Somalia of backing SSC-Khatumo militias in a violent clash near Buuhoodle in the contested Sool region, claiming the attack is an attempt to destabilize Somaliland ahead of its November 13 elections.

Somaliland officials alleged that the Somali government in Mogadishu, along with militia groups from eastern Sool, had collaborated with Al-Shabaab-linked fighters in an assault on the town of Qorilugud and nearby areas, which led to several casualties.

Somaliland’s statement noted the death of Abdigani Sulub, reportedly a senior figure within the Al-Shabaab faction present in the area, as evidence of extremist involvement in the conflict. Officials argue that the timing of the attack was a deliberate effort to derail Somaliland’s democratic process and undermine regional stability.

The Somaliland condemned what it described as “the Mogadishu regime’s aggression” and called on the international community to denounce this alleged interference and support Somaliland’s right to hold its elections without external influence or violence.

They asserted Somaliland’s commitment to safeguarding its sovereignty and maintaining a peaceful democratic process.

This development underscores the escalating tensions in the Sool region, where longstanding disputes between Somaliland and factions within SSC-Khatumo continue to fuel instability. Somaliland reiterated its stance that it will not be deterred from its electoral timeline, urging its allies to stand with them in promoting stability and respect for its political process.