Amid US Calls for Peace, Somaliland Troops continue to attack and Shell Las Anod City

LAS ANOD, Somalia - As Somaliland troops continue shelling Las Anod city, the US state department issued a statement urging for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

The northern city is currently under the control of SSC-Khatumo forces, and Somaliland troops are attempting to retake it.

The Somaliland army launched an attack on the city from different directions on Friday, March 31, shortly after the US State Department released a statement calling for a peaceful solution to the ongoing conflict.

The Biden administration urged Somaliland to withdraw its troops from the city, where continued clashes were ongoing since January that claimed the lives of over 200 people, injured nearly 1,000, and forced thousands of people to flee their homes in the past two months.

The United States has expressed growing concern about the escalating violence in Lasanod and called for de-escalation, ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and constructive dialogue toward a peaceful resolution.

The US also warned that continued violence could increase the potential for extremist groups to sow broader instability and exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Horn of Africa nation.

Despite the US calls for peace, Somaliland troops have encountered stiff resistance from the SSC-Khamtumo fighters on the outskirts of the city. After being repelled, the secessionists started bombing civilian houses indiscriminately, causing further casualties and damage.

According to local health officials, several people, including a young girl Fadumo Yusuf, were killed, and several others were wounded in the bombardment. This happened during the holy month of Ramadan, adding to the already dire humanitarian situation in the region.

The United Nations Security Council expressed deep concern about the shelling of civilian infrastructure in February, which has resulted in casualties and widespread displacement. The UN authorities have called for an immediate halt to attacks against civilians.

Las Anod has been under Somaliland's control since 2007, but it lost control in January after residents staged an uprising against the presence of the breakaway region's forces. These forces were accused of targeted killings against local elders, politicians, and academics who spoke out against the secession and supported unity.

The ongoing violence in Las Anod highlights the complex political and security dynamics of the region. The need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict cannot be overstated, and all parties must work together to ensure the safety and security of civilians caught in the crossfire.

GAROWE ONLINE