LAASCAANOOD, Somalia (Kaab TV) – Laascaanood police in the newly formed SSC-Khaatumo administration have arrested 24 young men accused of gang-raping two sisters in an incident that has sparked public outrage and violent protests.
According to SSC-Khaatumo police, the brutal assault took place on 14 June in Laascaanood, the regional capital.
Photos of the suspects were released by the police following their arrest on Tuesday 17 June.
“Twenty-four men who gang raped two sisters are now in our custody, and we will be taking them to court,” said SSC-Khaatumo Police Spokesperson, Captain Liibaan Barre.
The horrific case triggered mass protests on Wednesday, with hundreds of residents taking to the streets.
Demonstrations began after reports emerged that one of the suspects had been temporarily released to sit for the national high school exams.
Police later confirmed that the suspect was re-arrested.
The unrest led to property destruction, looting, and the death of at least one person.
The two victims, both teenagers, had recently been displaced from Erigabo, Sanaag region, and were seeking refuge in Laascaanood, where ongoing conflict has already taken a toll on the civilian population.
A police source told Kaab TV that one of the girls went into shock and remains hospitalized.
Support services for survivors of sexual violence in the region are nearly non-existent. Local health workers lack the specialized training to deal with rape cases, and deep-rooted social taboos often prevent women and girls from coming forward.
SSC-Khaatumo leader Abdiqadir Aw-Jama Firdhiye, who returned to Laascaanood from Mogadishu on Thursday, condemned the attack and pledged swift justice.
He confirmed that a team of police investigators had been brought in from the capital to assist with the case.
“I want to state very clearly: we will ensure justice for the girls,” Firdhiye said.
He criticized police for releasing a suspect to sit for exams, calling it “a serious mistake that should never be repeated.”
He also extended condolences to residents who lost property during the protests.
The Laascaanood case is yet another stark example of the violence women face in Somalia, where rape cases are frequently resolved through clan negotiations — often forcing victims to marry their attackers.
In a separate statement, police acknowledged attempts by some individuals to interfere with the investigation.
“We warn against any attempt to obstruct the pursuit of justice for the girls, who have suffered physical abuse, psychological harm, and violations,” the police said on Thursday. “Those responsible are in custody and will be brought to justice as intended.”
Local officials told Kaab TV that the case is now being handled by an investigative committee appointed by the SSC-Khaatumo Minister of Justice.