Somaliland military accused of shelling Las Anod, north of Somalia

LAS ANOD, Somalia - The Somaliland army has yet again been dragged into controversy as fighting in Las Anod city escalates, with both parties involved in the conflict refusing to take responsibility for skirmishes that have grounded economic activities in the northern state of Somalia.

For over five months, Las Anod has been the epicenter of violence in Somalia, with local militia SSC-Khatumo pushing to have Sool and Sanag regions governed from Mogadishu instead of Hargeisa, the regional administrative capital of the breakaway region of Somaliland. The militia is embroiled in a tussle with the Somaliland army.

On Saturday, reports indicate, SSC-Khatumo forces accused the Somaliland military of shelling Las Anod "indiscriminately", from East and North, targeting mosque, hospital, and civilian buildings as fighting erupted in the West of the city, leading to questions about the safety of critical infrastructure and civilians.

Several people, including medical workers, were wounded in the bombardment, sources said. This comes days after Gen Taani, the commander of the Somaliland army threatened to launch an all-out offensive against the city which has been under SSC since the start of 2023.

Hargeisa has repeatedly accused Puntland of sending reinforcement of troops to Las Anod, arguing that Garowe is directly involved in the conflict by dispatching soldiers. However, Puntland has periodically denied the claims while threatening to join forces with SSC-Khatumo.

Last week, Somaliland threatened to open operations in Las Anod, arguing that United Arab Emirates-trained Puntland Marine Police Force [PMPF] was in Las Anod initiating operations. Previously, Hargeisa had also linked US-trained Danab Special Forces, but the government of Somalia was quick to absolve them of any wrongdoing.

Somaliland has been fighting to control the region but locals have often insisted that they are comfortable with Mogadishu. Somaliland declared self-independence in 1991 but efforts to push for international recognition have never been futile with the world pushing for a single Somali policy in all aspects.

GAROWE ONLINE