On the night of Friday, June 14, 2025, at approximately 10:30 p.m., a horrific gang rape and torture incident involving two sisters, aged 17 and 21, shocked the city of Las Anod.

The SSC-Khaatumo Police has arrested 23 suspects within the last 72 hours, according to an official press statement sent to newsrooms.

According to the statement seen by Radio Generation, one suspect remains at large, with security forces actively pursuing their capture.

The Police Command of the autonomous state reiterated its zero-tolerance stance on human rights violations, assuring the public that all perpetrators will face justice.

The incident has ignited widespread outrage on social media, with demands for rapid accountability and justice for the victims.

Hodan Mohamed, a women’s rights defender, described the attack as a violation of shared values and dignity.

“This crime is more than a target of just two girls—this was a crime against our collective humanity. The pain of Las Anod is the pain of every Somali.”

Authorities called on the residents of Las Anod and the wider SSC-Khaatumo community to trust in the security forces and report similar incidents to ensure prompt action.

The SSC-Khaatumo Police said it remains committed to upholding justice and protecting the community, urging continued cooperation from the public.

Nafisa Hujale, a trauma counselor at Las Anod Hospital, stressed the long-term impact such crimes have on survivors.

“The girls will live with the scars forever. Justice must be swift. It must be complete. We must protect our daughters,” she said.

Sheikh Hassan Zubeir, an elder in Las Anod, expressed deep shame and disappointment over the crime.

“Our culture is built on dignity and protection of the vulnerable. This act is criminal and shameful. We support the police to bring these men to justice,” said Sheikh Zubeir.

The federal member state aligned itself with the Federal Government of Somalia following the uprising that ousted Somaliland forces from Las Anod in 2023.

The autonomous Somaliland territory declared independence 33 years ago after Somalia descended into civil war – and in many ways has functioned as a de facto nation-state ever since.