2023 Las Anod conflict

Las Anod at night, circa 2021

Las Anod had been controlled by Somaliland since 2007, Since the local Puntland militia switched loyalties. The clan militias supporting Somaliland were loyal to Ahmed Abdi Habsade, a Puntland minister who defected to Somaliland and then returned to Puntland.[26][27] 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.[28]

In December 2022, civil demonstration and unrest began to spread northwest across the Sool region, from Taleh to Kalabaydh, Hudun, Boocame and Tukaraq, driven by perceived political marginalization in Somaliland.[29] The protests were triggered by the death of Abdifatah Abdulli Hadrawi, a popular politician in the Waddani opposition party.[30] 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.[20]

Following mass protest that continued 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.[21] 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.[31] On 6 February 2023, the Dhulbahante clan elders declared their intent to form a state government named "SSC-Khatumo" within the Federal Government of Somalia.[3] 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.[32]

On 8 February, 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 self-determination and be governed from Mogadishu under the Federal Government of Somalia.[33][21] 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.[34] On 2 March, 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.[35]

A number of fellow Harti-Darod (including Warsangali, Dashiishe & Majeerteen) clans have announced their support for the Las AnodDhulbahanteand sent armed contingents to the city.[36][37][5] The Dhulbahante are receiving money, equipment and fighters from allied Darod-Harti clans in Somalia - the Warsangali and Majeerteen.[36][37]

On 20 April, Amnesty International released a report concluding a 2-month human rights investigation into the Las Anod conflict. The report called for an urgent investigation into the conflict, including interviews from local citizens describing shrapnel and mortar shell deaths.[25] 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.[25][38]

SSC-Khatumo holds Independence Day celebration in Las Anod

On 7 June, the UN Security Council released a statement reaffirming its full respect for the sovereignty, territorial integrity, political independence, and unity of Somalia. They also stated, "The members of the Security Council called for the immediate withdrawal of 'Somaliland' security forces and urged all parties to exercise restraint, refrain from provocative actions, incitement to violence, and inflammatory rhetoric. This is in order to de-escalate the situation on the ground, rebuild trust, and create the conditions for peace."[39] The following day, the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement expressing their view that the UNSC "appears to be misinformed about the facts on the ground."[40]

On 11 July, Somaliland troops were reported to have shelled a health facilities and public infrastructures in Las Anod, destroying 2 ambulances and causing dozens of casualties (including healthcare workers and patients).[41] The World Health Organization published a press release condemning the attack on the facility and the shelling of hospitals.[42] In response, the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the statement as "disturbing" and claimed that they were fighting clan militias and Al-Shabaab terrorists, to ensure "that those in need have access to these services and other humanitarian assistance".[43]

On 16 August, famous Somali traditional poet Abwan Jama Kadiye was reportedly killed by indiscriminate mortar shelling in Las Anod. Both Somaliland and SCC-Khatumo blamed each other for his death.[44][45] The incident sparked strong emotions among the residents of Somalia and Khatumo, who were understandably outraged by the loss of a respected poet and community member. Some individuals within Khatumo even expressed a desire for justice and retribution in response to the incident. They indicated a potential intent to take revenge on Somaliland, given their suspicions.[45][46]

On August 25, the SSC and their allied Harti forces achieved an overwhelming victory by decisively defeating two heavily fortified strongholds held by the Somaliland Army in Maraaga and Gojacadde, skilfully employing a double envelopment tactic. Subsequently, a fierce conflict erupted in Dhabansaar between SSC and Somaliland forces, lasting for an intense one-hour battle. The SSC forces once again emerged victorious and continued their advance towards Tuulo Samakaab. They successfully severed the vital transportation route connecting Laascaanood and Oog with their momentum carrying them forward to Yagoori and Guumeys. This advance resulted in the capture of a substantial amount of military equipment, including several T54/55 tanks, multiple Zu-23 anti-aircraft systems, eight Fiat CM6614 vehicles, at least one BM-21 multiple rocket launcher, and various undisclosed military assets. Additionally, a significant quantity of weaponry was neutralized during this operation.[1] During this battle, General Faisal Abdi Bootan, the commander of Somaliland Army's 12th division, was captured along with his security personnel. He was apprehended while attempting to escape to Oog using an ambulance vehicle in an effort to conceal his identity. Reports further suggest that his entire division suffered severe casualties at the Maraaga fronts, ultimately leading to its near annihilation.[47] On the same day, the Somaliland Ministry of Defense released a statement saying, "The National Army is in the midst of reorganization and serious preparation to confront the enemy."[48]

Dhulbahante Paramilitary Forces after the fall of Goojacade standing on top of a Somaliland Tank.

The fall of Goojacadde marked the end of Somaliland's nearly fifteen years of rule in the SSC-Khatumo regions. It also revealed the overwhelming opposition to the secessionist ideology, primarily supported by the Isaaq clan in the north. These events have united the people of the SSC regions, where the entire traditional leaders staunchly supported and rallied behind the popular movements against Somaliland's presence in Laascaanood, underscoring the collective sentiment against secessionism in these regions.

This triumph is celebrated as a significant milestone for the SSC administration since the conflict's initiation in February between the opposing factions. Following an unexpected setback, the remaining forces of the Somaliland military have sought refuge in Dhodida, situated to the northwest, aiming to regroup and recover.[49]

With Lasaanood now serving as the command centre for the SSC-Khatumo administration, their spokesperson underscored the magnitude of Friday’s triumph. They proudly announced the acquisition of all adjoining Somaliland military outposts, further enhancing their arsenal with seized war vehicles and significant stocks of weaponry and ammunition.[49]

On 1 September, the International Committee of the Red Cross stated it had collected 43 bodies from fighting in Las Anod.[13]

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,[50] Al-Shabaab fighters and southern Somali states.[51]

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.[52]
• On March 6, Puntland President Said Abdulllahi Dani denied Puntland involvement in the war and called for self-determination in the Sool region.[53] However, in a local election campaign speech in Galkacyo Deni excused Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Muse Bihi of colluding against SSC-Khatumo and Puntland, that he was ready to defend both Admins from all threats on May 5.[54]
• On March 11, Somali Region President Mustafa "Cajgar" Omar denied DDS involvement in the Las Anod conflict.[55]

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.[56]