Fresh clashes between Somaliland security forces and local militia allied with extremist groups have resumed Saturday in Las Anod.
Somaliland’s national army reports being attacked by anti-peace militias allied with extremist groups.
The Somaliland government called on the international community to demand that the federal government of Somalia and the regional administration of Puntland withdraw their forces from Somaliland’s border.
Below is a press release from the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Update On the Situation In Las Anod
Hargeisa, Somaliland, February 25, 2023 — Anti-peace militias allied with extremist groups launched an attack on the bases of the National Army of the Republic of Somaliland in Las Anod, today. The Army is showing much restraint and is defending itself whilst adhering to the unilateral ceasefire it announced on February 10, 2023. It urges other parties to join us in efforts to stabilize Las Anod and not violate the ceasefire.
https://twitter.com/somalilandmfa/status/1629558953695641600?s=20
Since the beginning of this situation in Las Anod, the National Army of the Republic of Somaliland has not once attacked but has been attacked in their bases consistently, this has been the Republic of Somaliland’s direction, that the Army does not initiate any attacks. The National Army of the Republic of Somaliland continues to adhere to the unilateral ceasefire and will not violate the ceasefire.
In addition, the National Army base in Tukaraq, Somaliland was attacked by troops of the Puntland Administration. This is clearly indicating the intentions of the Puntland Administration troops to be part of the ongoing hostilities against the Republic of Somaliland.
We strongly supported the peace mission undertaken by traditional elders from across Somaliland that encouraged de-escalation, a resumption of talks and continue to support it, however, calls from the peace mission have been rejected so far by the other side.
The government of Somaliland once again calls on the international community to demand that the Federal Government of Somalia and the regional administration of Puntland withdraw their forces from Somaliland’s border, condemn the continued attacks on Somaliland’s citizens, government, and military, and join Somaliland in a mutual, unconditional ceasefire.
