Las Anod conflict (2023–present)

The Las Anod conflict (Somali: Dagaalkii Laascaanood) is an ongoing armed conflict between the Somaliland National Army and the Khaatumo SSC (Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions) forces of the Dhulbahante in Las Anod, the capital of the Sool region.[1][12][13]

Las Anod conflict
Dagaalkii Laascaanood (Somali)
Part of the Somali Civil War
Clockwise from top left:
Uniform of SSC-Khatumo fighter, 2024; SSC forces standing to attention, 2024; Somaliland army General Nuh Ismail Tani giving a speech during the war, 2023; Damage to Las Anod hospital from artillery fire, 2023; The city of Las Anod, 2023;
Date6 February 2023 – present (1 year, 9 months and 3 days)
Location
Result

Ongoing

Belligerents
 Somaliland[1]

 Somalia[2]

Commanders and leaders
Somaliland Muse Bihi Abdi
Somaliland Nuh Ismail Tani
Somaliland Faisal Abdi Bootan  (POW)[4]
Khatumo Garad Jama Garad Ali
Khatumo Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw Ali
Units involved
 Somaliland National Army
Somaliland Somaliland Police
Khatumo SSC-Khatumo
Strength
6,000–8,000 army[5]
1,000–2,000 police[6]
7,000–8,000[7]
Casualties and losses
2000 casualties (May 2023 estimate)[8] Unknown
~343 people dead (March 2023)[9]
154,000-203,000 civilians displaced[10]
600 wounded[11]

Fighting erupted on 6 February 2023 after Somaliland security forces held a violent crackdown on civil protests.[14][15] Several days later the supreme Garad of Dhulbahante, Jama Garad Ali, declared the regions intent to initiate reunification with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).[16][17] Under the leadership of President Muse Bihi, the Somaliland Army launched a prolonged military operation to subdue Las Anod through artillery bombardments over six months.[18] Amnesty International determined that Somaliland security forces' engaged in indiscriminate shelling of Las Anod - resulting in the damaging schools, mosques, hospitals, and killing or injuring civilians.[19]

By May 2023, the conflict had killed over 300 people among the local population[20] and displaced 153,000–203,000 as refugees. It is not known how many have been killed in total.[21] Many residents fled to neighboring SSC-Khatumo territories of Taleh, Hudun, Buuhodle, or to Puntland cities – most commonly Garowe, Galkacyo and Burtinle.[22][10] The conflict has weakened Somaliland's bid for international recognition, as the war and mass displacement have tarnished its image as a stable political entity.[23]

In August 2023, the Somaliland army was compelled to retreat from the environs of Las Anod after being routed during the battle of Goojacade,[24] following which SSC forces declared a cessation of hostilities.[25] SSC-Khatumo was recognized two months later as an interim administration by the Federal Government of Somalia.[26] Somaliland has vowed to reclaim the region,[27] and a military stalemate presently holds between SSC troops and the Somaliland army on a front line 100km from Las Anod.[28]

Background

edit

During 1991, Somaliland declared an independent state within the borders of the former British Somaliland. The Somali Dhulbahante clan populates the east of this territory – primarily in the Sool, Sanaag and Buuhoodle regions. The Dhulbahante were largely opposed to the attempt to secede from Somalia and did not fully participate in Somaliland’s elections in protest.[29] Ideologically, the Dhulbahante nearly unanimously rejected secession. In 2003, Las Anod came under the control of the unionist Puntland state.[20]

During October 2007, the Somaliland army took over the city during the Battle of Las Anod against Puntland forces.[20] After coming under control of Somaliland, the Dhulbahante residents of the city experienced insecurity.[30] In particular, the Raad Peace Research Institute in Mogadishu reported that this control led to "extreme political, economic, and social marginalization and subjugation of the Dhulbahante clan," including the assassinations of more than 120 prominent community leaders and clan elites.[31] Local Puntland militia switched loyalties. The clan militias supporting Somaliland were loyal to Ahmed Abdi Habsade, a Puntland minister who defected to Somaliland and then returned to Puntland.[32][33]

 
City of Lasanood in 2023

Assassinations of civil leaders and protests

edit

The conflict was effectively ignited by the assassination of popular opposition politician Abdifatah Abdullahi Abdi who was shot after he left a mosque.[28][30] After his murder, students took to the streets, protesting against the Somaliland government who they believed responsible for the killing. Somaliland police fired live ammunition and gunned down protesters, killing more than twenty people and sending shockwaves through the community. Cellphone footage of the killings rapidly proliferated abroad via Facebook and WhatsApp. Local clan militias began organizing to retaliate.[30][34] In December 2022, civil demonstrations against the Somaliland government and unrest began to spread northwest across the Sool region, from Taleh to Kalabaydh, Hudun, Boocame and Tukaraq.[35] Somaliland troops withdrew from the city to their Sool outposts[15] and encircled the city.[30]

Following mass protest that continued from December into January 2023, the withdrawal of the Somaliland troops paved the way for the return of the supreme Garad of Dhulbahante, Garad Jama Garad Ali – a community leader exiled from Las Anod since 2007.[16] Rumor spread of a grand meeting of all Dhulbahante clan elders, followed by speculation that the elders would vote to exile Somaliland security forces from the city.[36]

Declaration of SSC government and start of war

edit

Before the war had started, most Dhulbahante commanders and their troops serving in the Somaliland security forces had quit or deserted. Before the fighting had broken out around 4,000 trained troops and their equipment defected.[20] In February 2023 local leaders in Lasanod declared that they would “never accept or participate in [Somaliland’s] separatist programme” and announced their allegiance to Somalia.[28]

 
Khatumo flag being raised over Las Anod during protests

Declaration of independence

edit

6 February 2023 was a decisive moment in the conflict.[20] A declaration of independence was uploaded on social media stating the regions of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn rejected the rule of Somaliland.[30] Rejecting the rule of both the secessionist Somaliland and the unionist Puntland governments,[37] the Dhulbahante clan elders declared their intent to form a state named "SSC-Khatumo" within the framework of the Federal Government of Somalia.[1]

Outbreak of war

edit

The Somaliland forces had assumed they could capture the city in a single day, and at 6 am their forces stationed north of Las Anod began shelling the city.[20] Fighting broke out in Las Anod between Somaliland troops and Dhulbahante militias in the Sayadka Hill suburb, with shots heard in the streets surrounding Hamdi Hotel where Somaliland dignitaries were staying.[38] The fighting on the first day of the war was centered on Hotel Hamadi in the east of the city, and by the days end the Somaliland representatives and their forces who had still been present were driven out.[20]

On the first day of fighting 34 people were killed and 164 were injured during the Somaliland army bombardment of the city. Tens of thousands of residents fled the city and became internally displaced persons. The majority of businesses in Las Anod closed and most residents became unemployed.[20] The towns economy collapsed as residents fled artillery shelling.[30]

Battle for Las Anod

edit

For nearly 20 days SSC forces battled the Somaliland army on the edge of Lasanod, engaging in fierce house-to-house combat. Somaliland army forces attempting to assert control over the city found the tide turning against them as more and more SSC forces were raised to reinforce its outgunned defenders. Consequently Somaliland security forces switched tactics to bombarding the city indiscriminately with artillery. As a result more than 150,000 people, mostly women, children and the elderly, fled the city to seek refuge. Lasanod fell into a state of siege.[30]

Escalation of fighting

edit

During the first weeks of armed clashes, Somaliland forces stationed at the nearby base of Gojacade cut the water supply to Las Anod. A water shortage ensued in the city that significantly impact both the civilian population and the fighters present.[20]

 
Damage to Laascaanood hospital as a result of Somaliland army artillery shelling on the city during late Feb. 2023

On 8 February, the supreme Garad of Dhulbahante, Garad Jama Garad Ali, accused the Somaliland government of genocide, called for peace and declared Las Anod's intent to self-determination and be governed from Mogadishu under the Federal Government of Somalia.[39][16] Many analysts and locals viewed Somaliland President Muse Bihi as the driver of violence. Hate speech against the Dhulbahante clan, largely inspired by Bihi, was widely spread on social media.[40]

That month several heavy battles occurred when Somaliland forces attempted to overrun SSC forces defending the Las Anod. Throughout February, the Somaliland army bombarded the city with rifle fire and artillery.[20] After failing to take the city during a fierce battle on 25 February 2024, all Somaliland army units stationed in eastern Sool region were dispatched to the military base of Gojacade as reinforcements.[41] 90% of Lasanod residents were displaced and region had produced 185,000 internally displaced people and 60,000 refugees within the first month of fighting.[42]

Until the end of February 2024, the fighting was between the Somaliland army and the local Dhulbahante clan. Among the clans fighters were professional soldiers who had defected from the Somaliland army and others had taken leave from the Puntland army or from the Somali National Army to join the fighting. The vast majority of defectors from the Somaliland army and other volunteers were natives of Lasanod and the surrounding countryside.[41] A number of fellow Harti-Darod (including Warsangali, Dashiishe & Majeerteen) clans announced their support for the Las Anod Dhulbahante.[43][44][45] The Dhulbahante are receiving money, equipment and fighters from their allies.[43][44]

Bombardment of Las Anod (March– August 2023)

edit

The Somaliland army deployed approximately 28 guuto (battalions) comprising 200 to 400 men around Las Anod during this period, supplemented by over a thousand armed police forces.[20] On 2 March, the mayor of Las Anod reported that Somaliland forces were bombing public buildings from the surrounding countryside including government institutions and hospitals. The UN also reported a casualty count of over 200 deaths.[46] On March 16, Somaliland troops were reported to be shelling civilians from the surrounding area.[47] After Ethiopia requested the Somaliland army ease the bombardment, artillery shelling ceased for a time. Somaliland security forces arrested protestors in who had demonstrated in other parts of the region in support of the SSC fighters. Due to fighting with Al-Shabaab and pressure from the Dhulbahante, both the regional Puntland government and the federal Somali government have effectively stayed out of the dispute.[40] On 26 March 2023, Somaliland forces launched a major three pronged offensive on Las Anod but failed to make any headway after fierce fighting. Their forces reportedly sustained heavy casualties. Another offensive was attempted on 31 March, but also failed.[20]

 
Vehicle belonging to SSC troops on the outskirts of Las Anod during fighting with Somaliland forces

During April 2023, the fighting began to stall and became highly sporadic.[20] By May 2023, the five hospitals in the city recorded 373 killed and 2311 injured among the local population.[38] On 7 June, the UN Security Council released a statement reaffirming its full respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and unity of Somalia. They also stated, "The members of the Security Council called for the immediate withdrawal of 'Somaliland' security forces and urged all parties to exercise restraint, refrain from provocative actions, incitement to violence, and inflammatory rhetoric. This is in order to de-escalate the situation on the ground, rebuild trust, and create the conditions for peace."[48] The following day, the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement expressing their view that the UNSC was "misinformed about the facts on the ground."[49] On 11 July, Somaliland troops were reported to have shelled a health facilities and public infrastructures in Las Anod, destroying 2 ambulances and causing dozens of casualties (including healthcare workers and patients).[50] The World Health Organization published a press release condemning the attack on the facility and the shelling of hospitals.[51] In response, the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the statement as "disturbing" and claimed that they were fighting clan militias and Al-Shabaab terrorists, to ensure "that those in need have access to these services and other humanitarian assistance".[52]

 
SSC-Khatumo holds Independence Day celebration in Las Anod

By early August, the conflict had come to a stalemate. Around 20,000 fighters were involved.[53] On 16 August, famous Somali traditional poet Abwan Jama Kadiye was reportedly killed by indiscriminate mortar shelling in Las Anod. Both Somaliland and SCC-Khatumo blamed each other for his death.[54][55] The loss of a respected poet and community member sparked outrage among the residents of Khatumo and Somalia. Some individuals within Khatumo even expressed a desire for justice and retribution in response to the incident. They indicated a potential intent to take revenge on Somaliland, given their suspicions.[55][56]

Fall of Gojacade and Maraaga bases (August 2023)

edit

On August 25, SCC-Khatumo forces launched an attack on Somaliland forces on the outskirts of Las Anod, capturing two bases held by the Somaliland Army in Maraaga and Gojacadde. After the unexpected defeat, the Somaliland forces fled in confusion, regrouping to Dhodida in the northwest. SSC-Khatuno claimed this advance also resulted in the capture of Dhuxun, Xargega, Golayeedhay, Canjiid, Adhi'adeye, Samakaab, Yagoori, Wadhake, and Guumays and their respective military bases. Additionally, they claimed to have captured a substantial amount of military equipment, including several T-54/T-55 tanks, multiple ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft aitocannons, eight Fiat CM6614 vehicles, at least one BM-21 multiple rocket launcher, and various undisclosed military assets. They also claimed a significant quantity of weaponry was neutralized during this operation,[3][57] as well as the commander of Somaliland Army's 12th division.[57]

Cessation of hostilities

edit
 
SSC press release announcing the end of fighting on 28 August 2023

Following their victory at Gojacade, the SSC-Khatumo administration announced on 28 August 2023, the end of eight months of conflict in the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions. They informed the Federal Government of Somalia, the international community, and the Somali people that the SSC had halted what they referred to as "Somaliland's war of aggression." The administration also stated that it had taken proactive measures to restore stability in the region. These efforts include a strategic withdrawal of forces from Las Anod, facilitating the return of displaced individuals, and launching social support programs. They further assured that detainees would be treated properly, with their rights respected in line with Islamic law, Somali traditions, and international standards.[25]

Hundreds of Somaliland troops were taken as prisoners of war by SSC forces.[28] In the aftermath of the offensive, the Somaliland Ministry of Defense released a statement stating that its army withdrew from their positions in the eastern part of the Sool region for "strategic military purposes and is in the phase of reorganizing and preparing to counter the enemy." Somaliland added that some of its forces are missing after encountering difficulties in reaching their intended destinations.[58][59]

Following the capture of the Goojacade army base by SSC-Khaatumo, in Fall 2023 the frontline shifted to western Sool, emerging between the villages of Oog and Guumays. According to the Crisis Group, this division roughly corresponded to boundaries between Isaaq and Dhulbahante clans. In September both sides sent reinforcements to the area, raising fears of further clashes, but the new front line remained quiet.[60]

SSC consolidation and Somaliland military build up

edit
 
Somaliland General Tani addressing newly deployed forces in Oog, urging them to be prepared for a tough battle alongside the army (5 Sep 2023)

On 19 October 2023, Somalia officially recognized SSC-Khaatumo as a federal member state.[61] After August 2023 their were only brief outbreaks of armed conflict between SSC and Somaliland. During November 2023, their forces clashed in the villages of Buq-Dharkayn and Yeyle. This fighting increasingly involved militants from the Habr Je'lo sub-clan of the Isaaq, with various Somaliland politicians trying to mobilize the Habr Je'lo to fight the SSC militias as they reside around contested territories.[62] On 4 and 8 December, Somaliland claimed it arrested spies working for Somalia, Khatumo, and Puntland authorities.[63] On 25 December, a clash between two militias in Las Anod killed one and injured three.[64] Somaliland and SSC-Khatumo forces continued to reinforce positions near the frontline throughout December 2023.[63]

 
Map of the 2023 Las Anod conflict[65][66]
  Under control of Somaliland
  Under control of SSC-Khatumo Administration

A significant escalation in the number of Somaliland army troops being trained in Ethiopia over 2024 have raised concerns that President Muse Bihi is planning a new offensive aimed at conquering the land lost to the SSC regional administration during the summer of 2023. In July 2024 Africa Confidential observed that Bihi may have, "...calculated that a blitzkrieg in the east could restore confidence in him among members of the Isaq clan."[67] During a public speech to the army, Bihi declared that the war would not end until Somaliland achieved victory.[37]

As of August 2024, the front line was 100km west from the city of Las Anod, where a military stalemate presently holds, and the carrying of weapons is strictly prohibited within the city.[28][68] SSC and Somaliland have still not exchanged prisoners of war, with the exception of two injured soldiers.[37]

After a several-month long lull in fighting, intense clashes erupted between SSC and Somaliland forces around the town of Qoorlugud in the Buhoodle District of Cayn region from October 31 and continued into November 1, 2024.[69][70][71] Intense gunfire and artillery exchanges occurred during the fighting and both sides are reported to be mobilizing troops to the frontlines, further raising tensions. Daily life in Qoorlugud has been heavily disrupted and residents have been displaced by the fighting.[72] SSC claims it was attacked by Somaliland forces,[73][74][75] while the Somaliland government claims the fighting was orchestrated by the Federal Government of Somalia in order to disrupt the upcoming 2024 presidential election.[76][77][78] The initiator of the fighting remains unclear, as each side accuses the other, and both have claimed victory.[79][73][69][80] The confirmed death toll as a result of the renewed fighting is over 25, with many more injured. Both parties have captured POWs.[81][82]

Allegations of external actors

edit

Both sides have alleged the presence of external actors. The Somaliland foreign ministry allege they are fighting foreign armed groups on the Las Anod side including the Somali National Army, Puntland Security Force, Liyu Police and Al-Shabaab.[83][67][84] These allegations have been dismissed by experts and observers as Somaliland President Muse Bihi seeking to blame his failures on outsiders.[67] Both the regional Puntland government and the federal Somali government have effectively stayed out of the dispute.[40]

All groups accused by the Somaliland government have denied claims of involvement:

The Dhulbahante clan accuse the Somaliland side of involving Djiboutian National Police officers and Chinese weaponry smuggled via Djibouti. The Djiboutian government denied these claims.[89]

Casualties and human rights violations

edit

It is not known how many people have been killed in all during the conflict.[21]

On 20 April, Amnesty International released a report concluding a 2-month human rights investigation into the Las Anod conflict. The report called for an urgent investigation into the conflict, including interviews from local citizens describing shrapnel and mortar shell deaths.[19] The report also included photos of indiscriminate 107mm rocket shelling from Somaliland security forces – confirming use of weapons banned as part of the current UN Somali arms embargo.[19][90]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c Haji, Mohammed (20 February 2023). "What's driving conflict in the disputed Somali city of Las Anod?". Al Jazeera English. Archived from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  2. ^ Jama (19 October 2023). "Somali government makes a strategic move by recognizing SSC-Khaatumo". The Somali Digest | Somali News in English. Retrieved 25 October 2023.
  3. ^ a b Staff, Horseed (25 August 2023). "Somalia: SSC forces Capture Somaliland's Goojacade military Base". Horseed Media. Archived from the original on 26 August 2023. Retrieved 26 August 2023.
  4. ^ "Waa kuma Feysal Bootaan, taliyihii guutada 12-aad ee Somaliland ee ay gacanta ku dhigeen SSC?". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 25 August 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  5. ^ Hoehne, Markus Virgil (12 June 2023). "The Dynamics of Conflict over Lasanod: Ongoing Fighting, Administration Building, Failed Mediation and Forecast". African Arguments. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  6. ^ Hoehne, Markus Virgil (12 June 2023). "The Dynamics of Conflict over Lasanod: Ongoing Fighting, Administration Building, Failed Mediation and Forecast". African Arguments. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  7. ^ Hoehne, Markus Virgil (12 June 2023). "The Dynamics of Conflict over Lasanod: Ongoing Fighting, Administration Building, Failed Mediation and Forecast". African Arguments. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  8. ^ Hoehne, Markus V. (June 2023). The Conflict over Lasanod: Longterm and Immediate Factors, and Prospects for Settlement. Raad Peace Research Institute, University of Leipzig.
  9. ^ "More deaths reported as Somaliland army accused of killing prisoners". Garowe Online. 19 March 2023. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 21 March 2023.
  10. ^ a b "Somalia: Flash Update No. 4 Situation in Laas Caanood, Sool Region, 3 April 2023". OCHA. 4 April 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
  11. ^ "Somaliland: Urgent investigation needed as fighting takes heavy toll on civilians in Las Anod". Amnesty International. 20 April 2023. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  12. ^ Ross, Will (8 February 2022). "UN urges probe into deadly Somaliland clashes". BBC News. Archived from the original on 23 March 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  13. ^ "Thousands flee fighting in Somaliland town". BBC News. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
  14. ^ Ali, Faisal (7 February 2023). "At least 24 dead in Somaliland fighting". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 22 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  15. ^ a b Sheikh-Nor, Mohamed (6 January 2023). "Somaliland Withdraws Troops from Disputed Town to Halt Violence". Voice of America English News. Archived from the original on 15 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  16. ^ a b c "We are witnessing genocide in Las Anod - elder". Garowe Online. 9 February 2023. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  17. ^ Ali, Garad Jama (19 March 2023). "BBC World News - Garad Jama Ali declares Dhulbahante intent to merge Sool with federal Somali govt" (video). YouTube. BBC World News. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  18. ^ "The president of Somaliland is bargaining for recognition". The Economist. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved 23 June 2024. Last year leaders in Las Anod declared they wanted to be part of Somalia instead. Mr Bihi tried to shell the city into submission, as more than 100,000 people fled from their homes, only for his army to have been forced to retreat last August.
  19. ^ a b c "Investigate Somaliland killings, says Amnesty International". Amnesty International. 20 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Hoehne, Markus V. (June 2023). The Conflict over Lasanod: Longterm and Immediate Factors, and Prospects for Settlement. Raad Peace Research Institute, University of Leipzig.
  21. ^ a b "43 bodies collected from clashes in a disputed Somali city – Red Cross". Africanews. 1 September 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2024. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled the fighting. It is not known how many hundreds of people have been killed in total. The ICRC reported "widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure" in Las-Anod, the capital of the Sool region.
  22. ^ Kulkarni, Pavan (6 April 2023). "Dozens more killed defending unionist city of Las Anod from separatist Somaliland". Peoples Dispatch. Retrieved 15 April 2023.
  23. ^ Haji, Mohammed (10 May 2023). "Conflict in disputed Las Anod dims Somaliland's diplomatic dreams". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 22 October 2024.
  24. ^ "The president of Somaliland is bargaining for recognition". The Economist. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  25. ^ a b "SSC-Khatumo declares cessation of conflict in Sool, Sanag, and Cayn areas". Hiiraan Online. 29 August 2024. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  26. ^ "Dowladda Federaalka oo aqoonsatay maamulka SSC-Khaatumo". Voice of America (in Somali). 19 October 2023. Retrieved 28 January 2024.
  27. ^ "Somaliland military vows to retake Las Anod and Sool region". Hiiraan Online. 13 May 2024. Retrieved 20 October 2024.
  28. ^ a b c d e Taylor, Liam (29 August 2024). "Inside Somaliland, the state eager to become the world's next country". The Economist. ISSN 0013-0613. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  29. ^ Haji, Mohammed (10 May 2023). "Conflict in disputed Las Anod dims Somaliland's diplomatic dreams". Al Jazeera. Retrieved 23 June 2024.
  30. ^ a b c d e f g Stremple, Paul (6 November 2023). "The Fight for Independence Has Drawn Many Somalis From the Diaspora to Las Anod". New Lines Magazine. Retrieved 14 September 2024.
  31. ^ Dhaysane, Mohammed (22 February 2023). "At least 112 people killed in fighting in Somaliland". Anadolu Agency. Archived from the original on 26 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  32. ^ "Somalia: Protests in Las Anod against visiting Somaliland ministers". 22 October 2007. Archived from the original on 22 October 2007. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
  33. ^ Hoehne, Markus Virgil (2015). "Between Somaliland and Puntland" (PDF). Rift Valley Institute. Archived (PDF) from the original on 1 July 2020. Retrieved 26 February 2023 – via Reliefweb.
  34. ^ "More than 20 'pro-greater Somalia' protesters killed in Lasanod". Garowe Online. 31 December 2022. Archived from the original on 11 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  35. ^ Kulkarni, Pavan (18 January 2023). "Protests in Breakaway Somaliland Call for Reunification with Somalia". Toward Freedom. Archived from the original on 29 January 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  36. ^ "Grand entry of exiled traditional elders in Las Anod major concerns for Somaliland". Garowe Online. 30 June 2020. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
  37. ^ a b c "Sannad ka dib waa sidee Goojacadde iyo xaaladda Laascaanood". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 25 August 2024. Retrieved 19 September 2024.
  38. ^ a b "Somalia: Fresh fighting breaks out in Las Anod city". Garowe Online. 6 February 2023. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  39. ^ Ali, Garad Jama (19 March 2023). "BBC World News - Garad Jama Ali declares Dulbahante intent to merge Sool with federal Somali govt" (video). YouTube. BBC World News. Archived from the original on 19 March 2023. Retrieved 19 March 2023.
  40. ^ a b c "Uneasy peace at Las Anod". Africa Confidential. 16 March 2023.
  41. ^ a b Hoehne, Markus Virgil (12 June 2023). "The Dynamics of Conflict over Lasanod: Ongoing Fighting, Administration Building, Failed Mediation and Forecast". African Arguments. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  42. ^ Ahmed, Kaamil (22 February 2023). "Tens of thousands of refugees flee from Somaliland clashes". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 25 February 2023. Retrieved 26 February 2023.
  43. ^ a b "Time for Somaliland and the Dhulbahante to Talk". Crisis Group. 19 May 2023. Retrieved 3 June 2023.
  44. ^ a b Hoehne, Markus Virgil (13 June 2023). "Somalia: The Dynamics of Conflict Over Lasanod - Ongoing Fighting, Administration Building, Failed Mediation and Forecast". African Arguments. Retrieved 14 June 2023.
  45. ^ Culay, Shiine (28 February 2023). "Ciidankii Majeerteen iyo Warsangeli oo Laascaanood galay". YouTube (in Somali). Retrieved 11 June 2023.
  46. ^ "More than 200 killed, nearly 700 wounded in Somaliland clashes". TRT World. 2 March 2023. Archived from the original on 18 March 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  47. ^ "Somalia: Somaliland asked to withdraw troops from SSC regions". Garowe Online. 16 March 2023. Archived from the original on 16 March 2023. Retrieved 17 March 2023.
  48. ^ "Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Somalia". 7 June 2023.
  49. ^ "Hargeisa, Somaliland, June 8th, 2023 - Press Release on UN Security Council's June 7th Statement". 8 June 2023.
  50. ^ "Somaliland expresses deep concern over WHO statement on Las'anod conflict". hornobserver.com. 15 July 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  51. ^ "WHO condemns attack on health care facility in Las Canood, Somaliland". WHO EMRO. Cairo/Mogadishu. 13 July 2023. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  52. ^ "Somaliland Government Response to WHO Statement Regarding Las'anod". Republic of Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Retrieved 18 July 2023.
  53. ^ Barnett, James (7 August 2023). "Inside the Newest Conflict in Somalia's Long Civil War". New Lines Magazine. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  54. ^ "Abwaan Jaamac Kadiye oo lagu aasay Laascaanood". VOA (in Somali). 17 August 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  55. ^ a b "Tragedy in Somalia: Renowned Poet Jama Kadiye Elmi Killed in bombardment". Garowe Online. 30 June 2020. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
  56. ^ "Garaad Mukhtaar Garaad Cali Buraale: "Xabaasha Gambara ee AUN Abwaan Jaamac Kadiye waxa xigi doona xabaalo badan oo Hargeysa & Burco"". Radio Daljir (in Somali). 17 August 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  57. ^ a b "Waa imisa tirada maxaabiista iyo gaadiidka ay SSC sheegteen inay Somaliland uga qabsadeen Goojacadde?". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 26 August 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  58. ^ "Somali Army Captures Elbur District, a Major Al-Shabab Base". Voice of America. 25 August 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  59. ^ Ministry of Defence | Somaliland [@SomalilandMod] (25 August 2023). "Ciidanka Qaranku waxay ku jiraan dib-isku-habayn iyo diyaargarow culus oo cadowga lagaga hortagayo. Wasaaradda Gaashaandhiga JSL" [The National Army is in the midst of reorganization and serious preparations to confront the enemy. Ministry of Defense JSL] (Tweet) – via Twitter.
  60. ^ "October Alerts and September Trends 2023". International Crisis Group. 29 September 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  61. ^ "Somalia-Khatumo State focuses on autonomy, with risk of tribal clashes and separatist moods in the rest of the country - Robert Lansing Institute". lansinginstitute.org. 26 December 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  62. ^ Birru, Ladd Serwat, Héni Nsaibia, Susanna Deetlefs, Jalale Getachew (7 December 2023). "Regional Overview: Africa | November 2023". ACLED. Retrieved 10 January 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  63. ^ a b "January Alerts and December Trends 2023". www.crisisgroup.org. 31 December 2023. Retrieved 31 January 2024.
  64. ^ "Iska horimaad dhimasho leh oo saaka ka dhacay Laascaanood". Voice of America (in Somali). 25 December 2023. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  65. ^ "ACLED Regional Overview Africa: November 2023 - Burkina Faso | ReliefWeb". reliefweb.int. 7 December 2023. Retrieved 23 December 2023.
  66. ^ "Golaha xoghayayaasha maamulka SSC- Khaatumo oo maanta la siiyay codka kalsoonida" [The board of secretaries of SSC-Khatumo administration was given a vote of confidence today]. Hiiraan Online. 25 September 2023. Retrieved 14 December 2023.
  67. ^ a b c "Djibouti joins fight against the Abiy-Bihi pact". Africa Confidential. 19 July 2024. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
  68. ^ "Khaatumo Administration Bans Carrying Weapons in Las Anod". Goobjoog News. 22 August 2024. Retrieved 30 August 2024.
  69. ^ a b "Heavy casualties as Somaliland, SSC-Khatumo forces clash in Ain area". Hiiraan Online. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  70. ^ "Dagaal Ciidamada SSC Khaatumo iyo Kuwa SSB Ku Dhexmaray Jiida u Dhaxaysa Qurilugud iyo Buuhoodle". Hiiraan Online. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  71. ^ "Dagaal-beeleedyo ka dhacay degmooyin hoostaga Buuhoodle". SomaliMemo. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  72. ^ "Fierce Clashes Erupt Between Somaliland and SSC Forces". Halqabsi News. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  73. ^ a b "SSC Khaatumo oo Somaliland ku eedaysay in ay nabadgalyo daro ka abuurayso gobolka". Hiiraan Online. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  74. ^ "SSC-Khaatumo Condemns Somaliland's Alleged Attack on Nomadic Communities in Buhodle". Mogadishu24. 2 November 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  75. ^ "SSC Khaatumo Oo Somaliland Ku Eedaysay Inay Soo Weerartay Saldhigyo Ciidan Oo Ku Yaala Degmada Buuhoodle". Kaab TV. 2 November 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  76. ^ "Somaliland oo dowlada Soomaaliya ku eedaysay dagaal maalintii labaad ka socda Aaga Qorilugud". Hiiraan Online. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  77. ^ "Somaliland army and SSC-Khatumo forces in intense fighting amid escalating tension". Somaliland Reporter. 2 November 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  78. ^ "Xisbiga Waddani oo Ku Baaqay in Somaliland La Difaaco Kadib Dagaalkii Qorilugud". Hiiraan Online. 2 November 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  79. ^ "Dagaalo khasaare dhaliyey oo ka dhacay waqooyiga Buuhoodle" [Battles that caused casualties in the north of Buhoodle]. Horseed Media. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 1 November 2024.
  80. ^ "Hoggaanka Ciidamada Qaranka Somaliland oo faahfaahin ka bixiyey Dagaalkii aaga Qorilugud". HargeisaPress. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  81. ^ "Escalating Clashes Between Somaliland Forces and Local Armed Groups in Togdheer". Mustaqbal Media - (English). 2 November 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  82. ^ "Millitariga Somaliland oo War Kasoo Saaray Colaada Kasoo Cusboonaatay Aaga Qorilugud". Hiiraan Online. 1 November 2024. Retrieved 2 November 2024.
  83. ^ "Somaliland Accuses Ethiopia of "Fuelling the Laasaanood Conflict"". puntlandpost.net. 9 March 2023. Retrieved 7 August 2023.
  84. ^ "The Republic of Somaliland's response to the US State Department Statement". Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 31 March 2023. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
  85. ^ "Beenin hadal ka soo yeeray maamulka ridada Somaliland" [Denying the allegations of apostate Somaliland administration] (PDF). Somalimemo (in Somali). 9 February 2023.
  86. ^ "Afar arrimood oo ku gadaaman dagaalka Laascaanood". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 6 March 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  87. ^ "Puntland admits to having troops in las Anod – Somali Dispatch". 9 May 2023.
  88. ^ "Ethiopia denies sending troops to Las Anod, Somalia". Garowe Online. 11 March 2023. Archived from the original on 22 March 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  89. ^ "Somalia: Djibouti denies links to mass murders in Las Anod". Garowe Online. 15 February 2023. Archived from the original on 16 April 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
  90. ^ "UN extends Somalia arms embargo amid government dissatisfaction". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 24 April 2023.

Sources

edit