Las Anod conflict (2023–present): Difference between revisions

2023 Las Anod conflict
	; Situation Around the City of Las Anod , May 16th, 2023
Date	6 February 2023 – present (1 year, 8 months, 1 week and 4 days)
Location	Las Anod, Somaliland (disputed)
Territorial; changes	Somaliland Armed Forces ousted from the city and many positions around it, leaving it Administered by the 33-Member SSC Consultative Council.
Belligerents
Somaliland; Somaliland National Army	SSC-Khatumo Dhulbahante militiamen; Majeerteen militias; Warsangali militias;
Casualties and losses
	~300 people dead; 154,000-203,000 civilians displaced

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The 2023 Las Anod conflict is an ongoing armed conflict between the Somaliland National Army and the SSC-Khatumo forces of the Dhulbahante in Las Anod, the capital of the Sool region.^[1]^[12]^[13] The Dhulbahante are supported by their Harti relatives, militias of the Majeerteen and Warsangali.^[14]^[2] Fighting erupted on February 6 after Somaliland security forces held a violent crackdown on civil protests.^[15]^[16] On February 8, the supreme Garad of Dhulbahante, Garad Jama Garad Ali, declared an intent to secede and reunite with the Federal Government of Somalia.^[17]^[18]

The conflict has killed over 300 people and displaced 153,000-203,000 refugees. Citizens have been displaced en-masse externally to Buuhodle and the Ethiopian border or internally to SSC-Khatumo territories of Taleex, Xudun, Buuhodle, and Puntland cities - most commonly Garowe, Galkacyo, Burtinle.^[19]^[11] On March 16, Somaliland troops were reported to be shelling civilians from the surrounding area.^[20] In late April, Amnesty International released a report accusing the Somaliland government forces of war crimes and human rights violations against civilians.^[21]

Background

Las Anod had been controlled by Somaliland since 2007, who ousted the Puntland army from the regional capital in 2007 with local militia support. The clan militias supporting Somaliland were loyal to Ahmed Abdi Habsade, a Puntland minister who defected to Somaliland and then returned to Puntland.^[22]^[23] In particular, the security situation reported to have severely declined under Somaliland's control. The Raad Peace Research Institute in Mogadishu reported that "120 prominent clan and community leaders were assassinated" between 2007 and 2022 in the city proper.^[24]

In December 2022, civil demonstration and unrest began to spread northwest across the Sool region, from Taleex to Kalabaydh, Xudun, Boocame and Tukaraq, driven by perceived political marginalization in Somaliland.^[25] The protests were triggered by the death of Abdifatah Abdulli Hadrawi, a popular politician in the Waddani opposition party.^[26] When the mass civil demonstration reached Las Anod, Somaliland security forces held a violent crackdown on the protestors in the final week of December 2022 which killed 20 people. Following bilateral talks, Somaliland troops retreated from the city to their Sool outposts to prevent further violence.^[16]

Clashes

After mass protests continuing from December into January 2023, the retreat 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.^[17] 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.^[27] On February 6, 2023, the Dhulbahante clan elders declared their intent to form a state government named "SSC-Khatumo" within the Federal Government of Somalia.^[1] Fighting broke out earlier on the same day in Las Anod between Somaliland troops and Dhulbahante militias in the Sayadka Hill suburb (reportedly home to two committee members), with shots heard in the streets surrounding Hamd Hotel where Somaliland dignitaries were staying.^[28]

On February 8, 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 be governed from Mogadishu under the Federal Government of Somalia.^[29]^[17] Within the same week of February, fighting and civilian bombardments had killed at least 82 people in total and displaced 90% of the residents. The region had produced 185,000 internally displaced people and 60,000 refugees in February.^[30] On March 2, 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.^[31]

The following clans have announced their support for the Las Anod unionist movement and sent armed militias to the city:

Ugaar Saleebaan militia^[3]^{[dubious – discuss]}
Warsangali militia^[2]^[9]
Majeerteen militias^[2]
- Omar Mahmud militia^[4]^{[dubious – discuss]}
- Osman Mahmud militia^[5]^{[dubious – discuss]}
- Siwaaqroon militias^[7]^{[dubious – discuss]}
- Isse Mahmoud militia^[8]^{[dubious – discuss]}
- Ali Saleebaan militia^[6]^{[dubious – discuss]}

On April 20, Amnesty International released a report concluding a 2-month human rights investigation into the Las Anod conflict. The report called for urgent investigation into the conflict, including interviews from local citizens describing shrapnel and mortar shell deaths.^[21] 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.^[21]^[32]

Allegations of external actors

In the political fog of the conflict, both sides have alleged the presence of external actors in Las Anod. 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 fighters,^{[citation needed]} Al-Shabaab fighters and southern Somali states.^[33]

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

On February 9, the Al-Shabaab militant group made a press release rejecting the Somaliland administration's claims of involvement in the Las Anod war and accusing them of apostacy.^[34]
On March 6, Puntland President Said Abdulllahi Dani denied Puntland involvement in the war and called for self-determination in the Sool region.^[35]
On March 11, Somali Region President Mustafa "Cajgar" Omar denied DDS involvement in the Las Anod conflict.^[36]

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.^[37]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d 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.
^ ^a ^b ^c ^d ^e Culay, Shiine. "Ciidankii Majeerteen iyo Warsangeli oo Laascaanood galay". Facebook. Retrieved 8 May 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^ ^a ^b Shire, Maxamuud Nadif (25 March 2023). "Daawo: Beesha Ugaar Saleebaan oo ciidamo iyo hub u dirtay Jiida Laascaanood" (video). Facebook (in Somali). Retrieved 10 April 2023.
^ ^a ^b Delmar, Maxamed Feysal. "Ciidanka beesha cumar maxamuud oo saaka soo Dhaqaaqay". (Video) Facebook in somali. Retrieved 19 February 2023.
^ ^a ^b Hassan, Abdiqani. "Beelweynta Cismaan Maxamuud oo gurmad ciidan u dirtay magaalada Laascaanood". Facebook (video). Horseen Media. Retrieved 2 March 2023.
^ ^a ^b Tv, Sagal. "Ciidankii Ugu Badnaa Ee cali saleebaan oo maanta U dhqaaqay magaalada laascaano,si ay u difaacaan walaalaha reer laascaano". Facebook (Video). Sagal Tv. Retrieved 15 March 2023.
^ ^a ^b Media, Dhulmar. "Ciidamadi ugu Badnaa Foolmaroodi ee Beesha siwaaqroon". D. Media. Retrieved 10 April 2023.
^ ^a ^b Abdi, Xabiibo Ladan. "Ciidankii 2aad ee ka socda Beelaha Ciise Maxamuud iyo Bah-dubays ee Cismaan Mohamud oo ka ruuqaansaday deegaanka Birta-dheer ayaa maanta gaarey furimaha dagaalka gobolka Sool". Facebook (Video). Golis. Retrieved 6 March 2023.
^ ^a ^b Cabdi, Ciro. "Gurmadkii beesha warsangali oo gudaha ugalay laascaanood". Fcaebook (video) somali. Ali samatar. Retrieved 22 February 2023.
^ "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.
^ ^a ^b "Somalia: Flash Update No. 4 Situation in Laas Caanood, Sool Region, 3 April 2023". OCHA. 4 April 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.
^ Ross, Will (8 February 2022). "UN urges probe into deadly Somaliland clashes". BBC News. Archived from the original on 2023-03-23. Retrieved 2023-03-24.
^ "Thousands flee fighting in Somaliland town". BBC News. Archived from the original on 2023-03-27. Retrieved 24 March 2023.
^ "Time for Somaliland and the Dhulbahante to Talk". Crisis Group. 2023-05-19. Retrieved 2023-06-03.
^ 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.
^ ^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.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Somalia: 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.
^ 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.
^ Kulkarni, Pavan (2023-04-06). "Dozens more killed defending unionist city of Las Anod from separatist Somaliland". Peoples Dispatch. Retrieved 2023-04-15.
^ "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.
^ ^a ^b ^c "Investigate Somaliland killings, says Amnesty International". Amnesty International. 20 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.
^ "Somalia: Protests in Las Anod against visiting Somaliland ministers". 22 October 2007. Archived from the original on 22 October 2007. Retrieved 13 February 2021.
^ 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.
^ 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.
^ 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.
^ "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.
^ "Grand entry of exiled traditional elders in Las Anod major concerns for Somaliland". Garowe Online. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.
^ "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.
^ 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.
^ 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.
^ "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.
^ "UN extends Somalia arms embargo amid government dissatisfaction". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 2023-04-24.
^ "The Republic of Somaliland's response to the US State Department Statement". Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 31 March 2023. Retrieved 2023-04-10.
^ "Beenin hadal ka soo yeeray maamulka ridada Somaliland" [Denying the allegations of apostate Somaliland administration] (PDF). Somalimemo (in Somali). 9 February 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)
^ "Afar arrimood oo ku gadaaman dagaalka Laascaanood". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 2023-03-06. Retrieved 2023-04-16.
^ "Ethiopia denies sending troops to Las Anod, Somalia". Garowe Online. 11 March 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.
^ "Somalia: Djibouti denies links to mass murders in Las Anod". Garowe Online. 15 February 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.

[jazeera-haji-2023-02-20-1] 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.

[culay-facebook-08-05-2023-2] Culay, Shiine. "Ciidankii Majeerteen iyo Warsangeli oo Laascaanood galay". Facebook. Retrieved 8 May 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[auto-3] Shire, Maxamuud Nadif (25 March 2023). "Daawo: Beesha Ugaar Saleebaan oo ciidamo iyo hub u dirtay Jiida Laascaanood" (video). Facebook (in Somali). Retrieved 10 April 2023.

[Warqaad_press-4] Delmar, Maxamed Feysal. "Ciidanka beesha cumar maxamuud oo saaka soo Dhaqaaqay". (Video) Facebook in somali. Retrieved 19 February 2023.

[A,_Hassan-5] Hassan, Abdiqani. "Beelweynta Cismaan Maxamuud oo gurmad ciidan u dirtay magaalada Laascaanood". Facebook (video). Horseen Media. Retrieved 2 March 2023.

[Sagal_Tv-6] Tv, Sagal. "Ciidankii Ugu Badnaa Ee cali saleebaan oo maanta U dhqaaqay magaalada laascaano,si ay u difaacaan walaalaha reer laascaano". Facebook (Video). Sagal Tv. Retrieved 15 March 2023.

[Dhulmar-7] Media, Dhulmar. "Ciidamadi ugu Badnaa Foolmaroodi ee Beesha siwaaqroon". D. Media. Retrieved 10 April 2023.

[X._Ladan_Abdi-8] Abdi, Xabiibo Ladan. "Ciidankii 2aad ee ka socda Beelaha Ciise Maxamuud iyo Bah-dubays ee Cismaan Mohamud oo ka ruuqaansaday deegaanka Birta-dheer ayaa maanta gaarey furimaha dagaalka gobolka Sool". Facebook (Video). Golis. Retrieved 6 March 2023.

[C,_cabdi-9] Cabdi, Ciro. "Gurmadkii beesha warsangali oo gudaha ugalay laascaanood". Fcaebook (video) somali. Ali samatar. Retrieved 22 February 2023.

[10] "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.

[auto1-11] "Somalia: Flash Update No. 4 Situation in Laas Caanood, Sool Region, 3 April 2023". OCHA. 4 April 2023. Retrieved 19 April 2023.

[12] Ross, Will (8 February 2022). "UN urges probe into deadly Somaliland clashes". BBC News. Archived from the original on 2023-03-23. Retrieved 2023-03-24.

[13] "Thousands flee fighting in Somaliland town". BBC News. Archived from the original on 2023-03-27. Retrieved 24 March 2023.

[14] "Time for Somaliland and the Dhulbahante to Talk". Crisis Group. 2023-05-19. Retrieved 2023-06-03.

[15] 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.

[voanews-nor-2023-06-01-16] 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.

[garowe-2023-02-09-17] "Somalia: 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.

[18] 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.

[19] Kulkarni, Pavan (2023-04-06). "Dozens more killed defending unionist city of Las Anod from separatist Somaliland". Peoples Dispatch. Retrieved 2023-04-15.

[20] "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.

[amnesty-2023-04-20-21] "Investigate Somaliland killings, says Amnesty International". Amnesty International. 20 April 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2023.

[22] "Somalia: Protests in Las Anod against visiting Somaliland ministers". 22 October 2007. Archived from the original on 22 October 2007. Retrieved 13 February 2021.

[23] 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.

[24] 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.

[25] 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.

[26] "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.

[27] "Grand entry of exiled traditional elders in Las Anod major concerns for Somaliland". Garowe Online. Archived from the original on 3 March 2023. Retrieved 3 March 2023.

[28] "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.

[29] 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.

[guardian-ahmed-2023-02-22-30] 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.

[31] "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.

[32] "UN extends Somalia arms embargo amid government dissatisfaction". Al Jazeera English. Retrieved 2023-04-24.

[slmfa-2023-03-31-33] "The Republic of Somaliland's response to the US State Department Statement". Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 31 March 2023. Retrieved 2023-04-10.

[34] "Beenin hadal ka soo yeeray maamulka ridada Somaliland" [Denying the allegations of apostate Somaliland administration] (PDF). Somalimemo (in Somali). 9 February 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link)

[35] "Afar arrimood oo ku gadaaman dagaalka Laascaanood". BBC News Somali (in Somali). 2023-03-06. Retrieved 2023-04-16.

[36] "Ethiopia denies sending troops to Las Anod, Somalia". Garowe Online. 11 March 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.

[37] "Somalia: Djibouti denies links to mass murders in Las Anod". Garowe Online. 15 February 2023. Retrieved 16 April 2023.

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 }}
 {{Campaignbox Puntland-Somaliland dispute (1998-present)}}
-The '''2023 Las Anod conflict''' is an ongoing armed conflict between the [[Somaliland National Army]] and the [[Khatumo State|SSC-Khatumo Forces]] supported by their [[Harti]] relatives [[Majeerteen]], [[Warsangali]] Militia's in [[Las Anod]], the capital of the [[Sool, Somalia|Sool]] region.<ref name="jazeera-haji-2023-02-20">{{Cite news |last=Haji |first=Mohammed |date=20 February 2023 |title=What's driving conflict in the disputed Somali city of Las Anod? |work=[[Al Jazeera English]] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/20/whats-driving-conflict-in-the-disputed-somali-city-of-las-anod |access-date=19 March 2023 |archive-date=18 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318211727/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/20/whats-driving-conflict-in-the-disputed-somali-city-of-las-anod |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ross |first=Will |date=8 February 2022 |title=UN urges probe into deadly Somaliland clashes |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cnx753jejqwt/somalia |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=2023-03-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323053440/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cnx753jejqwt/somalia |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Thousands flee fighting in Somaliland town |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cnx753jejqwt/somalia?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=63ef70be94565055842f8927%26Thousands%20flee%20fighting%20in%20Somaliland%20town%262023-02-17T14%3A00%3A20.978Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:bd53d63e-b033-4759-a3f3-a7ae725b201c&pinned_post_asset_id=63ef70be94565055842f8927&pinned_post_type=share |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327035439/https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cnx753jejqwt/somalia?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=63ef70be94565055842f8927%26Thousands%20flee%20fighting%20in%20Somaliland%20town%262023-02-17T14%3A00%3A20.978Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:bd53d63e-b033-4759-a3f3-a7ae725b201c&pinned_post_asset_id=63ef70be94565055842f8927&pinned_post_type=share |archive-date=2023-03-27 |access-date=24 March 2023 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref><ref name="culay-facebook-08-05-2023"/> Fighting erupted on February 6 after [[Somaliland]] security forces held a violent crackdown on civil protests.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ali |first=Faisal |date=7 February 2023 |title=At least 24 dead in Somaliland fighting |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/07/at-least-24-dead-in-somaliland-fighting |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222195358/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/07/at-least-24-dead-in-somaliland-fighting |archive-date=22 February 2023 |access-date=26 February 2023 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref name="voanews-nor-2023-06-01">{{cite web|date=6 January 2023|last=Sheikh-Nor|first=Mohamed|title=Somaliland Withdraws Troops from Disputed Town to Halt Violence|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/somaliland-withdraws-troops-from-disputed-town-to-halt-violence/6907540.html|website=Voice of America English News|access-date=26 February 2023|archive-date=15 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215013629/https://www.voanews.com/a/somaliland-withdraws-troops-from-disputed-town-to-halt-violence/6907540.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 8, the supreme [[Garad]] of [[Dhulbahante]], [[Garad Jama Garad Ali]], declared an intent to secede and reunite with the [[Federal Government of Somalia]].<ref name="garowe-2023-02-09">{{Cite web |date=9 February 2023 |title=Somalia: We are witnessing genocide in Las Anod - elder |url=https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-we-are-witnessing-genocide-in-las-anod-elder |access-date=3 March 2023 |website=Garowe Online |language=en |archive-date=3 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303202540/https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-we-are-witnessing-genocide-in-las-anod-elder |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ali |first1=Garad Jama |author1-link=Garad Jama Garad Ali |title=BBC World News - Garad Jama Ali declares Dhulbahante intent to merge Sool with federal Somali govt |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy8WuvjoGDs |website=YouTube |publisher=[[BBC World News]] |language=en |format=video |date=19 March 2023 |access-date=19 March 2023 |archive-date=19 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319111707/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy8WuvjoGDs |url-status=live }}</ref>
+The '''2023 Las Anod conflict''' is an ongoing armed conflict between the [[Somaliland National Army]] and the [[Khatumo State|SSC-Khatumo forces]] of the [[Dhulbahante]] in [[Las Anod]], the capital of the [[Sool, Somalia|Sool]] region.<ref name="jazeera-haji-2023-02-20">{{Cite news |last=Haji |first=Mohammed |date=20 February 2023 |title=What's driving conflict in the disputed Somali city of Las Anod? |work=[[Al Jazeera English]] |url=https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/20/whats-driving-conflict-in-the-disputed-somali-city-of-las-anod |access-date=19 March 2023 |archive-date=18 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230318211727/https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/2/20/whats-driving-conflict-in-the-disputed-somali-city-of-las-anod |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ross |first=Will |date=8 February 2022 |title=UN urges probe into deadly Somaliland clashes |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cnx753jejqwt/somalia |access-date=2023-03-24 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB |archive-date=2023-03-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323053440/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cnx753jejqwt/somalia |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Thousands flee fighting in Somaliland town |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cnx753jejqwt/somalia?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=63ef70be94565055842f8927%26Thousands%20flee%20fighting%20in%20Somaliland%20town%262023-02-17T14%3A00%3A20.978Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:bd53d63e-b033-4759-a3f3-a7ae725b201c&pinned_post_asset_id=63ef70be94565055842f8927&pinned_post_type=share |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230327035439/https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/cnx753jejqwt/somalia?ns_mchannel=social&ns_source=twitter&ns_campaign=bbc_live&ns_linkname=63ef70be94565055842f8927%26Thousands%20flee%20fighting%20in%20Somaliland%20town%262023-02-17T14%3A00%3A20.978Z&ns_fee=0&pinned_post_locator=urn:asset:bd53d63e-b033-4759-a3f3-a7ae725b201c&pinned_post_asset_id=63ef70be94565055842f8927&pinned_post_type=share |archive-date=2023-03-27 |access-date=24 March 2023 |website=BBC News |language=en-GB}}</ref> The Dhulbahante are supported by their [[Harti]] relatives, militias of the [[Majeerteen]] and [[Warsangali]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-05-19 |title=Time for Somaliland and the Dhulbahante to Talk |url=https://www.crisisgroup.org/africa/horn-africa/somaliland/time-somaliland-and-dhulbahante-talk |access-date=2023-06-03 |website=Crisis Group |language=en}}</ref><ref name="culay-facebook-08-05-2023"/> Fighting erupted on February 6 after [[Somaliland]] security forces held a violent crackdown on civil protests.<ref>{{cite web |last=Ali |first=Faisal |date=7 February 2023 |title=At least 24 dead in Somaliland fighting |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/07/at-least-24-dead-in-somaliland-fighting |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230222195358/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/feb/07/at-least-24-dead-in-somaliland-fighting |archive-date=22 February 2023 |access-date=26 February 2023 |website=The Guardian}}</ref><ref name="voanews-nor-2023-06-01">{{cite web|date=6 January 2023|last=Sheikh-Nor|first=Mohamed|title=Somaliland Withdraws Troops from Disputed Town to Halt Violence|url=https://www.voanews.com/a/somaliland-withdraws-troops-from-disputed-town-to-halt-violence/6907540.html|website=Voice of America English News|access-date=26 February 2023|archive-date=15 February 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230215013629/https://www.voanews.com/a/somaliland-withdraws-troops-from-disputed-town-to-halt-violence/6907540.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 8, the supreme [[Garad]] of [[Dhulbahante]], [[Garad Jama Garad Ali]], declared an intent to secede and reunite with the [[Federal Government of Somalia]].<ref name="garowe-2023-02-09">{{Cite web |date=9 February 2023 |title=Somalia: We are witnessing genocide in Las Anod - elder |url=https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-we-are-witnessing-genocide-in-las-anod-elder |access-date=3 March 2023 |website=Garowe Online |language=en |archive-date=3 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230303202540/https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-we-are-witnessing-genocide-in-las-anod-elder |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Ali |first1=Garad Jama |author1-link=Garad Jama Garad Ali |title=BBC World News - Garad Jama Ali declares Dhulbahante intent to merge Sool with federal Somali govt |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy8WuvjoGDs |website=YouTube |publisher=[[BBC World News]] |language=en |format=video |date=19 March 2023 |access-date=19 March 2023 |archive-date=19 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230319111707/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iy8WuvjoGDs |url-status=live }}</ref>
-The conflict has killed over 300 people and displaced 153,000-203,000 refugees. The conflict has displaced thousands externally to [[Ethiopia–Somaliland border|Buuhodle and the Ethiopian border]] or internally to SSC-Khatumo territories of Taleex, Xudun, Buuhodle, and [[Puntland]] cities - most commonly [[Garowe]], [[Galkacyo]], [[Burtinle]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kulkarni |first=Pavan |date=2023-04-06 |title=Dozens more killed defending unionist city of Las Anod from separatist Somaliland |url=https://peoplesdispatch.org/2023/04/06/dozens-more-killed-defending-unionist-city-of-las-anod-from-separatist-somaliland/ |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=Peoples Dispatch |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="auto1"/> On March 16, Somaliland troops were reported to be shelling civilians from the surrounding area.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 March 2023 |title=Somalia: Somaliland asked to withdraw troops from SSC regions |url=https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-somaliland-asked-to-withdraw-troops-from-ssc-regions |access-date=17 March 2023 |website=Garowe Online |language=en |archive-date=16 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316151102/https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-somaliland-asked-to-withdraw-troops-from-ssc-regions |url-status=live }}</ref> In late April, Amnesty International released a report accusing the Somaliland government forces of war crimes and human rights violations against civilians.<ref name="amnesty-2023-04-20" />
+The conflict has killed over 300 people and displaced 153,000-203,000 refugees. Citizens have been displaced en-masse externally to [[Ethiopia–Somaliland border|Buuhodle and the Ethiopian border]] or internally to SSC-Khatumo territories of Taleex, Xudun, Buuhodle, and [[Puntland]] cities - most commonly [[Garowe]], [[Galkacyo]], [[Burtinle]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kulkarni |first=Pavan |date=2023-04-06 |title=Dozens more killed defending unionist city of Las Anod from separatist Somaliland |url=https://peoplesdispatch.org/2023/04/06/dozens-more-killed-defending-unionist-city-of-las-anod-from-separatist-somaliland/ |access-date=2023-04-15 |website=Peoples Dispatch |language=en-US}}</ref><ref name="auto1"/> On March 16, Somaliland troops were reported to be shelling civilians from the surrounding area.<ref>{{Cite web |date=16 March 2023 |title=Somalia: Somaliland asked to withdraw troops from SSC regions |url=https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-somaliland-asked-to-withdraw-troops-from-ssc-regions |access-date=17 March 2023 |website=Garowe Online |language=en |archive-date=16 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230316151102/https://www.garoweonline.com/en/news/somalia/somalia-somaliland-asked-to-withdraw-troops-from-ssc-regions |url-status=live }}</ref> In late April, Amnesty International released a report accusing the Somaliland government forces of war crimes and human rights violations against civilians.<ref name="amnesty-2023-04-20" />
 ==Background==

Revision as of 05:46, 3 June 2023

Background

Clashes

Allegations of external actors

See also

References