[3] J Murray, who went on an expedition to Buur Dhaab, describes the range:[4] We ascended a high bluff of Bur Dab about 1000 feet above camp, and found that the hill was composed of trap-rock, the inside falling away to a basin tunnelled in all directions by caves, said to be inhabited by robbers whenever they come here.

[5] The powerful Habr Je'lo clan has historically acted as the guardians of this pass, receiving dues in exchange for guaranteed safety through Buur Dhaab:[4] The Habr Toljaala are a powerful tribe, and make it a point of honour that caravans shall have safe passage through their country, and they receive a part of the dues for this purpose.The range is home to three Dervish stone forts located at Shimber Berris, constructed by Yemeni Arab masons on the orders of Mohammed Abdullah Hassan after the Battle of Dul Madoba.

[7] The British administration recruited Indian and South African troops, led by police general James David, to fight against Sheikh Bashir and had intelligence plans to capture him alive.

A contingent led by now Somaliland Interior Minister Mohamed Kahin Ahmed consisting of 130 soldiers assaulted regime positions in the range, inflicting heavy casualties.

[20] The Buur Dhaab range is mainly inhabited by the Habr Je'lo clan, part of the wider Isaaq clan-family in Somaliland, with the Mohammed Abokor noted for grazing in the area.