HARGEISA (SD) – The Somaliland military today conducted a security operation in areas belonging to the Salal region, during which they killed some members of a gang recently responsible for the murder of two civilians.

This armed group is reported to have been based in Djibouti, a country that has recently been directly interfering in Somaliland’s affairs.

Djibouti’s interference began after the signing of the maritime deal between Somaliland and Ethiopia and intensified after Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland earlier this year.

A press release issued by the Somaliland military stated that the operation resulted in the seizure of illegal weapons, including AK-47 type rifles, captured in an area called Indho-Biraale. The military described the operation as a planned one aimed at ensuring the safety and stability of the public.

According to the report, the operation led to the death of two members of the group following an engagement with the forces. “The operation resulted in the death of two of the gang members, while four others were wounded.”

The forces also captured some members of the gang, accusing them of involvement in the recent murder of two individuals in the area. The statement indicated that anyone arrested for such acts will be handed over to legal authorities for investigation and that legal measures will be taken.

The press release also mentioned that the military will continue such operations to maintain peace and protect the lives and property of the public, reiterating a warning to anyone involved in illegal weapons or activities that threaten security.

The Somaliland military urged the public to cooperate with security agencies and to avoid anything that poses a risk to public safety.

This incident risks militarizing the border between Somaliland and Djibouti. If Hargeisa continues to show cross-border skirmishes for what they are, a politically motivated interference, it could justify more aggressive military patrols and responses. Djibouti, a host to major foreign military bases, cannot afford an unstable border. This could either force Djibouti to de-escalate its political interference or, conversely, lead to a dangerous tit-for-tat security spiral.