[4][5] Mukhtar's inauguration was attended by dignitaries from Puntland, Somaliland, and the Somali regional government of Ethiopia.

[6][7] At the end of 2022, fighting broke out in Las Anod between Somaliland forces and some residents that resulted in deaths.

On January 5, 2023, Somaliland forces temporarily withdrew from the urban area of Las Anod to a base outside of the city to avoid chaos.

[10] On February 6, the Dhulbahante Elders of Sool declared independence from the Somaliland and Puntland administrations and created a local government, SSC-Khaatumo, under the direct control of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and established a local committee of 33 elders, of which Garad Mukhtar was elected one of them.

[11] On February 25, Garad Mukhtar confirmed the resumption of fighting between the two sides engaged, stressing that war had begun in the city.