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Badhan, (insidesomalia.org) - Credible reports emerging from north Somalia's disputed region of Sanaag indicate that a convoy of armored vehicles from the separatist enclave of Somaliland have pushed deeper into the eastern part of the region, according to local sources.
An 18-truck convoy loaded with soldiers and munitions were reported to have arrived in the outskirts of Hadaftimo town, catching local fighters by surprise because the troops did not use routine roads where armed locals stand guard, sources said.
The Somaliland contingent, which includes military officers from the local clan, is led by Col. Ali Barre.
Local clan fighters are said to have regrouped inside Hadaftimo and are in "defensive positions." They are led by Col. Abdullahi Omar Anshur.
Hadaftimo clan elders have been taking with Somaliland commanders regarding military action in the relatively quiet town, which they fear could create hostility among the local population and lead to open warfare.
Tensions remain high in Hadaftimo as anxious residents await the outcome of the military buildup in the region by separatist forces from Somaliland.
It is not clear why the Somaliland administration has dispatched troops to peaceful parts of Sanaag region, but the move comes four months after Somaliland forces took control of Las Anod, capital of the other disputed region of Sool.
Both Sool and Sanaag constitute the eastern border of colonial-era Somaliland and the separatist government is fighting to "close the border" as part of its bid for independent statehood.
The regions have been at the heart of a five-year armed conflict between Somaliland and the rival sub-state of Puntland, which claims both Sool and Sanaag on the basis of clan affiliation.
In recent months, much of Sanaag has been governed by the self-declared Maakhir State of Somalia administration, which considers itself independent of both Somaliland and Puntland.
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