On 20 July 2013, an agreement between local elders in the south of Sanaag Region northern Somalia and the Somaliland administration led to the defection of the fighters in an attempt to combine the previously warring forces. "We had discussions and we agreed to work together on security in the area," Somaliland information minister Abdullahi Ukuse, adding that "the defecting force is made up of 500 fighters, 13 technicals and six lorries. These fighters were previously adversaries of the [Somaliland] military. The two forces are now one army." Other sources estimated that somewhere between 500 and 800 soldiers defected and integrated with the Somaliland army . A defecting Khaatumo state commander said he was happy that he joined the Somaliland troops, promising to help beef up security in the region."Hundreds of Somali regional troops defect to breakaway Somaliland. " news board, 20 July 2013. Web. 27 June 2014. On 12 June 2014, heavily armed Somaliland regional administration forces entered Hingalol town. According to Puntland MP Abdihakim Abdullahi, they arrived in 13 battle wagons and were repeatedly told by local elders to leave the town or they would encounter resistance. Puntland elder Garad Abdullahi Ali Eid similarly indicated that before the Somaliland forces' began their march toward the area, Puntland clan elders had met with them and requested that they not enter the town ahead of a scheduled June 15 clan convention.
On 20 July 2013, an agreement between local elders in the south of Sanaag Region and the Government of Somaliland led to the defection of the fighters in an attempt to combine the previously warring forces. "We had discussions and we agreed to work together on security in the area," Somaliland information minister Abdullahi Ukuse, adding that "the defecting force is made up of 500 fighters, 13 technicals and six lorries. These fighters were previously adversaries of the [Somaliland] military. The two forces are now one army." Other sources estimated that somewhere between 500 and 800 soldiers defected and integrated with the Somaliland National Army . A defecting Khaatumo state commander said he was happy that he joined the Somaliland troops, promising to help beef up security in the region."Hundreds of Somali regional troops defect to breakaway Somaliland. " news board, 20 July 2013. Web. 27 June 2014. On 12 June 2014, heavily armed Somaliland National Army entered Hingalol town. According to Puntland MP Abdihakim Abdullahi, they arrived in 13 battle wagons and were repeatedly told by local elders to leave the town or they would encounter resistance. Puntland elder Garad Abdullahi Ali Eid similarly indicated that before the Somaliland forces' began their march toward the area, Puntland clan elders had met with them and requested that they not enter the town ahead of a scheduled June 15 clan convention.
D
northern Somalia
R
and the Somaliland administration
and the Government of Somaliland
R
army
National Army
R
regional administration forces
National Army