(26-Feb-23) LaasAnod, Somalia – The Hamdi Hotel in Laascaano was bombarded by the Somaliland army with artillery, resulting in the death of two people and four others being wounded. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of civilians in the area and the overall stability of the region.
The owner of the Hamdi Hotel, Adan Mohamud Hambuse, spoke to Halqabsi News and confirmed that one of the deceased was the hotel’s guard, Jamac Warsame Dhiico, who was 50 years old. The other person who died in the attack has been identified as 30-year-old Osman Noor. The four wounded individuals have been taken to a nearby hospital for medical treatment.
Adan Mohamud Hambuse expressed shock and devastation at the damage inflicted on Laascaanood, hotel Hamdi is renowned as the best hotel in the city and often used by high-ranking officials, including those from the United Nations.
The fighting in Laascaanood has been ongoing for several weeks, resulting in over 400 deaths, more than 900 injuries, and the displacement of over 180,000 people who have fled to Ethiopia due to an escalation in fighting in the town. The international community has expressed its condemnation and concern over the Somaliland attack on Laascaanood, with the United Nations calling for an immediate investigation. The UN has also appealed for all parties to exercise restraint and work towards achieving a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.
