Ceerigaabo, Somalia — Intense clashes broke out on Saturday in Ceerigaabo between SSC-Khaatumo forces and Somaliland troops, marking a significant escalation in the contested regions of Sanaag, Sool, and Cayn. Both sides have claimed victory in the fighting, which has left the city reeling.

The violence erupted just hours after Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro) announced a new cabinet, which included representation from the disputed regions in an effort to promote inclusivity and unity. However, the move appears to have done little to ease tensions, as longstanding grievances over governance and territorial control remain unresolved.

Residents reported heavy gunfire and explosions echoing across the city, with the clashes plunging Ceerigaabo into a blackout that has disrupted daily life. Families have been forced to shelter in their homes, while others fled to safer areas. Casualty numbers are unclear, but both sides have reported injuries and fatalities.

SSC-Khaatumo forces claim to have gained ground in parts of the city, while Somaliland troops maintain a defensive hold to the north. Both factions blame each other for initiating the violence. SSC-Khaatumo leaders allege that Somaliland forces targeted civilians, while Somaliland officials insist they were repelling an incursion by SSC-Khaatumo fighters.

The escalation has left many in Ceerigaabo fearing for their safety. A local resident, speaking under the condition of anonymity, described the atmosphere as “chaotic and terrifying.” “We heard gunfire all night,” they said. “We just want peace and a chance to live our lives without fear.”

As the conflict unfolds, the broader implications for the political landscape in northern Somalia are becoming increasingly evident. President Irro’s efforts to include representatives from Sanaag, Sool, and Cayn in his administration were seen as an olive branch, yet the ongoing clashes demonstrate the deep divisions that persist.