LASANOD (SMN) – Heavy fighting with artillery bombardments were reported on the outskirts of LasAnod, the regional capital of Sool on Thursday morning.
The battle between SSC-KHATUMO and Somaliland forces was raging on in Maraga area, which is located in eastern LasAnod City and both sides exchange machine guns and RPGs, according to residents.
The fighting comes as Somaliland is celebrating today, May 18th, which marks 32 years of its unilateral independence from greater Somalia.
Somaliland lost control of LasAnod in January this year to local community fighters after 15 years in charge due to the uprising against the secession.
As many as 200 people were killed in the clashes and mortar shelling on LasAnod, which is the epicentre of the conflict in Northern Somalia.
Hundreds were wounded and thousands displaced by the war since the start of 2023, per aid agencies and local authorities. The situation getting worse by the day.
UN and other partners called for immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities and engagement of dialogue to resolve the difference through peaceful manner.
