HARGEISA (Kaab TV) – Somaliland’s Minister of Internal Security, Abdalle Mohamed Arab, has strongly condemned what he described as a massacre committed by the Liyuu Police Forces in the Da’awaley area of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia.
The attack, which targeted innocent civilians—primarily pastoralists—was called a “flagrant violation of human rights and governance principles.”
“In addition to the massacre, the Liyuu Police abducted traditional elders from Somaliland who had traveled to Da’awaley to mediate and resolve the ongoing conflicts peacefully.
This abduction is a grave offense and a clear violation of international norms,” Minister Arab stated in a press release.
The minister accused the Liyuu Police of orchestrating widespread violence in Da’awaley and demanded that those responsible for the atrocities be held accountable.
He also disclosed that Somaliland’s President received a message of regret from the President of the Somali Regional State of Ethiopia regarding the incident.
Somaliland has formally contacted Ethiopia’s federal government to express its concerns and demand action.
“A meeting between the two governments is scheduled for tomorrow [Thursday] at the border to discuss the incident and chart a path forward,” the statement added.
The attack in Da’awaley, which occurred on Wednesday, resulted in over ten deaths and left dozens injured.
According to Somaliland sources, the Somali Regional State Liyuu Police, in collaboration with Ogaden clan militia, launched an early morning assault on the village, targeting Isaaq/Arab clan militia.
The violence claimed the lives of civilians, including clan elders and children.
Photos circulating on social media show burned homes and looted properties as residents fled the area.
While Somali Regional State officials have not issued a formal response, the state’s police commission claimed in an earlier statement that its forces were attacked by “terrorist groups.”
Local media reports suggest Ethiopian authorities have since closed the border as tensions and violence continue to escalate.
The conflict in Da’awaley stems from a long-standing land dispute between the Ogaden/Darood and Isaaq/Arab clans, both of whom claim ownership of the contested rural villages.