Hargeisa – Al Shabab Join Attack onthe Military Base in BaliKhadar

_W/W/I/B/H/DH/ 144/2018 June 02, 2018

PRESS STATEMENT

Hargeisa – Al Shabab Joint Attack on the Military Base in Bali Khadar

The Government of Puntland informs the people of Puntland, the wider Somali public, and the International Community that during the early hours of 2 June 2018, the international terrorist organization Al Shabab in a joint operation with the militia controlled by Hargeisa had attacked the military base at Bali Khadar. This raid was led by Mohamed Abdullahi Batar of the Habar Jaclo sub clan of the Isaaq clan. We can also confirm that the attackers had sustained heavy losses and had been repulsed by the Puntland Defense Force. The Government of Puntland reiterates to the Somali people as well as the International community that the regime in Hargeisa and the international terrorists have joined forces, and are united in their intentions to inflict harm and to cause civil strife upon the people of Somalia, with the exception of their small enclave. Puntland further announces to the Somali people that this latest attack, orchestrated by the regime in Hargeisa, is designed to distract the attention of the world from the continued oppression and violence perpetrated against the civilians in the Sool region, particularly in Las Anod. Lastly, the Government reassures the people of Puntland that it has the situation under control and that it is more than capable of clearing the mountains of Cal Madow of the alliance of militiamen from Hargeisa and the terrorists of Al Shabab. -END

Wasaaradda Warfaafinta, Isgaarsiinta, Boostada, Hiddaha & Dhaqanka Ministry of Information telecommunication Post Culture & Heritage Xafiiska Wasiirka / Office of the Minister