(24-06-23) LAASCAANOOD — In the early hours of Saturday, residents of Lasanood, the capital of the Sool region in northern Somalia, were awakened by the frightening sound of heavy artillery. The Somaliland forces, stationed at the Goja-Adde base on the outskirts of the city, had reportedly launched a large-scale, indiscriminate attack on various neighbourhoods.
Since the conflict between the Somaliland forces and the SSC-Khatumo civil defence units began six months ago, the city has been in a state of high tension. Now, the unprecedented scale of the Somaliland military deployment to the region suggests an escalation of aggression, targeting not only the frontline but also civilian areas, including public interest centres and places of worship.
The exchange of fire between the two sides has been escalating, with heavy weapons audible from the frontline. The Somaliland army, in an effort to regain control of Lasanood, has engaged in substantial military mobilisation, deploying the largest number of troops to the Sool region border.
Various appeals for peace and attempts at conflict resolution have so far proved ineffective, plunging the city deeper into a state of war, uncertainty, and fear.
Puntland’s forces recently mobilised to the northern suburbs of Garowe following a crisis in the capital, are reportedly on standby. President Deni has issued several warnings to the Somaliland media and vowed that Puntland will defend the Sool region.
However, Deni’s threats have not yet materialised into action, prompting criticism of the Muse Bihi regime, which appears to be intensifying its military campaign towards Lasanood.
In a press release, the Supreme Council of SSC condemned the Somaliland forces’ indiscriminate bombing, highlighting the civilian casualties and extensive property and infrastructure damage. The Council has accused Muse Bihi and his military inner circle of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. They have called on the Federal Government of Somalia to uphold citizens’ constitutional rights and urged the international community to intervene to protect Lasanood’s civilian population.
According to the Council, Muse Bihi declared on 18 June, that his forces would not respect the rules of war or international humanitarian law. The relentless shelling witnessed in Lasanood today is said to be a fulfilment of that promise.
As the crisis in Lasanood continues, it remains crucial for regional powers and the international community to keep a vigilant watch and take necessary measures to prevent the further escalation of violence, while holding those responsible for war crimes accountable.
