In a significant turn of events, forces of the SSC administration of Sool have captured Somaliland’s main military base on the outskirts of Lasanood which was the most heavily defended military base in Sool, and from which much of the shelling of Lasanod was orchestrated. After a battle that lasted less than four hours today (Friday 25 august 2023), the SSC troops managed to secure Somaliland’s stronghold in Maraaga and the expansive Goja’adde base. Vehicles, weapons, and ammunition abandoned by retreating Somaliland forces were on display as trophies of their victory.
This victory stands as a pivotal moment for the SSC administration since the conflict began in February. Following their unexpected defeat, Somaliland forces retreated to Dhodida in the northwest to regroup. The SSC-Khatumo administration, now headquartered in Lasanood, declared that they had achieved a major victory by capturing all nearby Somaliland military outposts and confiscating their war vehicles, weapons, and ammunition stocks.
Somaliland had consistently rejected calls, including from the United Nations Security Council, to withdraw from the Sool region. For eight months, Somaliland forces stationed near Lasanood had engaged in artillery fire and targeted hospitals and infrastructure. This defeat has come amid a political crisis and violence in Hargeisa following a failure to hold presidential elections. Analysts predict that Somaliland may struggle to recover from this blow and could potentially have to relinquish control of Sool entirely.
The Goojacade camp, located 8 km northeast of Lasanood, was historically a significant source of water for the town. Many wells were dug during the revolutionary government, leading to the establishment of farms that provided for the local community. In 1993, the humanitarian organization MSF repaired and expanded the wells, ensuring a stable water supply for Lasanood.
However, in 2007, Somaliland forces took control of Lasanood and established their presence in Goojacade and Maraaga, using the area for strategic purposes due to its wooded terrain, unlike the predominantly agricultural land elsewhere. Goojacade, over the years, has evolved into a substantial military base, boasting numerous buildings for offices, senior officials’ residences, storage facilities, and housing for soldiers, resembling a small town. The camp has expanded its military presence significantly, with around 15 battalions currently stationed there.
The recent heavy battle near Goojacade between Somaliland forces and the SSC resulted in the SSC-Khatumo army seizing control of the Goojacade command, along with capturing prisoners and military vehicles belonging to Somaliland. The conflict continues in other areas, particularly along the road where Somaliland forces hastily retreated.
