Hundreds gathered today in Las Anod, the capital of Sool region, to protest for the recognition of Khatumo State of Somalia. They were carrying Somali flags, as well as that of the newly-formed Khatumo state. As the protestors were moving through the town they collided with Somaliland police officers, who responded by opening fire on the protestors, killing one and injuring six others. Police were reported to be firing bullets recklessly into the crowd.

Police also arrested almost fifty protestors.

Khatumo state was formed two months ago in Taleeh, capital of Sool region, whose residents have opposed Somaliland's quest for statehood.

Somalia Report spoke to one of the protestors.

“We, the people of Khatumo state, we belong to the blue flag," he said, referring to the Somali national flag. "We all know the indigenous people of Khatumo, those people who were born and brought up here, will gain the victory. So there's no need to be forced to stay with those who remove themselves from the larger Somalia."

Today’s protest marked the second time that Somaliland police offices have opened fire on pro-Khatumo protesters.

The protests was partly caused by the implied recognition of Khatumo state by the Somali Transitional Federal Government (TFG) on Wednesday, when Khatumo delegates, led by President Ahmed Karaash, visited Mogadishu. The delegates met with TFG President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, the Defence Minister Hussein Arab Isse, and other cabinet ministers in a closed-door session.

Khatumo state of Somalia is comprised of three regions, Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (SSC), in accordance with the 2004 Transitional Federal Charter, which permits two or more regions to federate. Cayn is currently under the control of the semi-autonomous region of Puntland, while Sool and Sanag are under the jurisdiction of the Somaliland government.

Both Puntland and Somaliland have refused to recognize Khatumo, with Somaliland officials claiming that the creation of the state was a plot to destabilize the government.

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