Somaliland authorities have reported that an armed rebellious group operating in the Ga’an Libaah mountainous area ambushed soldiers, resulting in nine soldiers killed and 17 others injured.
On Friday, Police commander Gen. Mohamed Aden Saqadhi told the media the group ambushed the soldiers.
Demonstrations have taken place in Hargeisa, Burao, and Erigavo. The Interior Minister, Mohamed Kahin, claimed that the armed group has ties to opposition leader Abdirahmanirro.
Irro, the opposition leader, who spoke yesterday called for a peaceful solution, asking President Musebiihi’s government to withdraw troops from Ga’an Libaah and encouraging armed civilians to disarm.
The armed group’s emergence appears linked to disagreements over the delayed November 2022 presidential elections. President Musebiihi recently declared that presidential elections will now occur on November 13, 2024, following a two-year term extension granted by the House of Elders, a decision criticized by the opposition.
Last week the rebel group armed with assault rifles, targeted a police station and customs office, disarming the officers and seizing weapons.
Subsequently, they abducted two vehicles owned by the Hello Trust mine detection organization, along with a driver named Ahmed Adan Omar.
The rebel leader, Ofwareen, instructed the local community to refuse paying taxes.
Notably, these rebels had previously kidnapped eight individuals, including military personnel and elders, who attempted to negotiate their disarmament, but later released them.
Bihi previously downplayed the group’s threats when media first reported. He dismissed media reports about the militants, assuring that the situation is not as alarming as portrayed.
