Khatumo Militia Defectors Incorporated Into Somaliland Army

Erigavo, July 21, 2013 (SDN) —Somaliland government has officially incorporated into country’s armed forces soldiers along with 13 battle wagons into Somaliland after the commander in charge of the defected soldiers cited fallout with Khaatumo militia leader Ahmed Karaash.

Somaliland’s defense minister Ahmed Haji Adami integrated them and welcomed them to join the national army.

A large ministerial level delegation on Friday left for Erigavo city to attend the formal incorporation of the defected soldiers into the armed forces where they are assigned to be stationed in eastern regions.

The delegation was headed by presidential affairs minister Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan and was accompanied by Water resources minister, Information Minister, State minister for the reconciliation of eastern regions and country’s army chief.

Ali Sandule, Somaliland’s State minister for the reconciliation of eastern regions said that they are cordially welcomed to be part of the national army.

He called upon those brainwashed by the expatriates to abandon and to seize the pardon offered to them.

Somaliland’s presidential affairs minister Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan that Somaliland welcomes anyone willing to join them and further said that from now on they have been officially incorporated into the country’s national army.

Somaliland is willing to welcome everyone no matter whether he is Khaatumo or SSC said the presidential minister.

Colonel Mohamed Raage Waraaabe who spoke on behalf of the defected soldiers along with their battle wagons said that they are happy being integrated into Somaliland army.

He extended thanks to the residents of Foqo Fuliye in eastern Sanaag for the warm welcome they provided them and the large delegates that left from Hargeisa .

He urged Khaatumo militia soldiers to follow suit and defect into Somaliland.

SDN Erigavo