(16-05-23) MOGADISHU – Heavy fighting has erupted once again on the outskirts of the city of Lasaanood, the capital of the Sool region in northern Somalia, between the Somaliland forces and the local SSC (Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn) militia early on Tuesday morning. The conflict is ongoing in both the east and west of the city, with both sides engaged in intense battles.
Sources on the ground have reported that the Somaliland army initiated the conflict, allegedly aiming to take over positions recently vacated by tribal forces in the outskirts of LasAnod. The Somaliland military’s invasion, however, has been met with fierce resistance from SSC local forces, who are currently holding the front lines.
Local sources told Halqabsi News, “The war is using different types of weapons, and the sound of the weapons can be heard from far away.” Heavy artillery bombardment is also being reported, exacerbating an already volatile situation in the region. The SSC-Khatumo Local Forces, in particular, have been employing artillery in the west and east of LasAnod.
In recent days, social media has been flooded with images of vehicles transporting weapons and artillery towards the Somaliland army base in LasAnod, suggesting an escalation in tensions.
At this time, the official casualty count resulting from the conflict remains unclear, with no word from either side involved in the fighting. The situation on the ground is extremely tense, and reports indicate that the fighting is ongoing, with both sides receiving reinforcements.
This outbreak of violence comes after a period of relative stability in LasAnod, despite both parties frequently exchanging threats in the media. The international community and regional stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, as further escalation could have devastating consequences for the region and its people.
© Halqabsi News
