Dhahar, Somalia — Fierce clashes erupted Tuesday afternoon in Dhahar town, eastern Sanaag, leaving several dead and wounded in a battle linked to Somalia’s controversial federal agenda. Local reports confirm that rival forces exchanged heavy gunfire in the town center, displacing civilians and escalating tensions in the already volatile region.
The violence is believed to stem from the federal government’s renewed push to formalize SSC-Khaatumo as a regional state, headquartered in Las Anod. The initiative has drawn fierce opposition from Puntland and Somaliland, both of which claim jurisdiction over parts of Sool and Sanaag.
Dhahar, a town situated deep in disputed territory, has become a flashpoint as communities are increasingly split over governance and territorial allegiance. Eyewitnesses described the fighting as “intense and indiscriminate,” with no official casualty figures released yet.
The Somali federal government has not issued a statement on the incident, while regional actors remain silent. Analysts warn that unless dialogue resumes urgently, the growing political rift could spiral into a broader conflict, destabilizing the region and worsening humanitarian conditions for thousands already affected.