Somaliland continues sporadic shelling of Las Anod, killing at least five people, including a prominent elder. The conflict between Somaliland and SSC-Khatumo has escalated over the weekend, leaving residents caught in the crossfire.
Las Anod, Sool, SOMALIA. By Jama:
Since Saturday late afternoon, the city of Las Anod in Somalia’s Sool region has again been subjected to relentless shelling. The mortar shelling of civilian facilities claimed the lives of at least five people, injuring many others. The ongoing hostilities have further heightened tensions in the already volatile region.
The Saturday shelling lasted 20 to 30 minutes, rocking the central part of Las Anod. It reportedly originated from Somaliland forces positioned to the town’s north. The bombardment struck a school, causing damage to two classrooms, though it did not cause any casualties.
On Sunday morning, Somaliland forces resumed their indiscriminate shelling, again targeting civilian infrastructure. The onslaught hit a residence adjacent to Faayow Hospital and a small tea shop. According to the Somali Digest sources, the morning shelling claimed the lives of five people, including a revered 85-year-old elder of Las Anod, Jama Digale (depicted above).
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.
