260 Khatumo soldiers surrendered to northern self declared state of Somaliland on Thursday, officials said.
The Khatumo soldiers, escorted by Somaliland soldiers with battle wagons were welcomed in Cayn region, 54 kilometers from Buuhoodle town.
Somaliland defence minister, MPs and military officials had attended the ceremony where the Khatumo soldiers were received.
The leader of the self declared Khatumo administration and federal MP Ali Khalif Galaydh confirmed that they will be holding peace talks with Somaliland and hoped that they will come to an agreement.
Mr Galaydh disclosed about the ongoing peace talks during an interview with BBC Somali service amidst wavering loyalty split between Puntland, Somaliland and Khatumo.
Early last month, Somaliland had gathered elders for talks regarding the future of Sool and Sanaag region.
Sool traditional elder Garaad Saleban Garad Mohamad decried Somaliland activities in Sool though he did not side with Puntland either.
It’s not yet clear why the soldiers chose to surrender at this time, years after intense war between Somaliland and Khatumo.
(Writing by Hassan Istiila. Editing by Julian Kamau)
