BREAKING: Somaliland shelling allegedly kills famous poet Jama Kediye Ilmi (in Somali: Jaamac Kadiye Cilmi) in an attack on Las Anod earlier today.
Las Anod, Sool, SOMALIA. By Yahya:
According to our sources, the Somaliland army bombarded Las Anod today in the afternoon, resulting in the death of Somalia’s prominent poet. Jama Kediye was a traditional poet whose work addressed various social and political issues. He was renowned for creating the ‘Saar’ rhythmic poetry form. Born in Las Anod, Mr Kediye became a respected poet throughout the Horn of Africa nation and one of the few poets who composed and performed this type of art.
The tragic incident comes only days after Somaliland’s killing of another prominent elder. On Sunday morning, Somaliland forces resumed their indiscriminate shelling of Las Anod, targeting civilian infrastructure. The onslaught hit a residence adjacent to Faayow Hospital and a small tea shop. According to the Somali Digest sources, the bombardment claimed the lives of five people, including a revered 85-year-old elder of Las Anod, Jama Digale.
This is a developing story. We will give updates on the situation as we learn more.
The conflict for Las Anod
Despite the establishment of an administration now overseeing Las Anod affairs, Somaliland remains obstinate in refusing to acknowledge the reality on the ground. The self-proclaimed state itself continues to decline the recognition of the SSC-Khatumo state. Analysts point out that the government in Hargeisa overplayed their cards, earnestly believing in their sovereignty while caught off guard when other ethnic groups within their self-proclaimed state also sought independence.
The conflict erupted in the contested city on 6 February of this year. The clashes have involved forces from Somaliland and local militia affiliated with the Dhulbahante clan. The clan, which resides in the Sool, Sanaag and Ayn (also known as Buuhoodle) regions, historically disputed between Somaliland and Puntland and did not want to contribute to dividing the Somali state. The Dhulbahante claim Las Anod as their capital.
