The Majeerteen, (Somali: Majeerteen, Arabic: ماجرتين; also spelled Majerteen, Macherten, Majertain, or Mijurtin) alternately known as Mohammed Harti, is a Somali sub-clan part of the Harti branch of the Darod clan. Traditionally, they inhabit extensive territories in the Bari, Nugaal, and Mudug regions of Somalia, spanning from Bosaso to Garacad, mainly in Puntland state. Additionally, Majeerteen populations are present in southern towns such as Kismayo.
Somali Salvation Democratic Front (SSDF) (Somali: Jabhadda Diimuqraadiga Badbaadinta Soomaaliyeed), initially known as the Democratic Front for Salvation of Somalia, was a political and paramilitary umbrella organization in Somalia. Founded in 1978 by several army officers, it was the first of several opposition groups dedicated to ousting the authoritarian regime of Mohamed Siad Barre. With its power base mainly within the Majeerteen clan, SSDF played a significant role in the country's complex political landscape under the leadership of Abdullahi Yusuf during the late 1970s and 2000s.
In 1982, it participated in attempted invasion of Somalia aimed at regime change with the support of Ethiopia. The joint 1982 offensive backfired as it ultimately consolidated Barre’s control. Amnesty and financial incentives prompted the majority of SSDF fighters to surrender and rejoin the regime in 1983. The organization fragmented under government pressure.