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Las Anod conflict (2023–present)

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Las Anod conflict
Dagaalkii Laascaanood (Somali)
Part of the Somali Civil War
Clockwise from top left:
Uniform of SSC-Khatumo fighter, 2024; SSC forces standing to attention, 2024; Somaliland army General Nuh Ismail Tani giving a speech during the war, 2023; Damage to Las Anod hospital from artillery fire, 2023; The city of Las Anod, 2023;
Date6 February 2023 – present (1 year, 9 months, 1 week and 1 day)
Location
Las Anod
Result

Ongoing

Belligerents
 Somaliland[1]

 Somalia[2]

Commanders and leaders
Somaliland Muse Bihi Abdi
Somaliland Nuh Ismail Tani
Somaliland Faisal Abdi Bootan  (POW)[4]		 Khatumo Garad Jama Garad Ali
Khatumo Abdikhadir Ahmed Aw Ali
Units involved
 Somaliland National Army
Somaliland Somaliland Police		 Khatumo SSC-Khatumo
Strength
6,000–8,000 army[5]
1,000–2,000 police[6]		 7,000–8,000[7]
Casualties and losses
2000 casualties (May 2023 estimate)[8] Unknown
~343 people dead (March 2023)[9]
154,000-203,000 civilians displaced[10]
600 wounded[11]

The Las Anod conflict (Somali: Dagaalkii Laascaanood) is an ongoing armed conflict between the Somaliland National Army and the Khaatumo SSC (Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions) forces of the Dhulbahante in Las Anod, the capital of the Sool region.[1][12][13]

Fighting erupted on 6 February 2023 after Somaliland security forces held a violent crackdown on civil protests.[14][15] Several days later the supreme Garad of Dhulbahante, Jama Garad Ali, declared the regions intent to initiate reunification with the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS).[16][17] Under the leadership of President Muse Bihi, the Somaliland Army launched a prolonged military operation to subdue Las Anod through artillery bombardments over six months.[18] Amnesty International determined that Somaliland security forces' engaged in indiscriminate shelling of Las Anod - resulting in the damaging schools, mosques, hospitals, and killing or injuring civilians.[19]

By May 2023, the conflict had killed over 300 people among the local population[20] and displaced 153,000–203,000 as refugees. It is not known how many have been killed in total.[21] Many residents fled to neighboring SSC-Khatumo territories of Taleh, Hudun, Buuhodle, or to Puntland cities – most commonly Garowe, Galkacyo and Burtinle.[22][10] The conflict has weakened Somaliland's bid for international recognition, as the war and mass displacement have tarnished its image as a stable political entity.[23]

In August 2023, the Somaliland army was compelled to retreat from the environs of Las Anod after being routed during the battle of Goojacade,[24] following which SSC forces declared a cessation of hostilities.[25] SSC-Khatumo was recognized two months later as an interim administration by the Federal Government of Somalia.[26] Somaliland has vowed to reclaim the region,[27] and a military stalemate presently holds between SSC troops and the Somaliland army on a front line 100km from Las Anod.[28]

Background

[edit]
Main article: Somaliland–Puntland dispute
Further information: Battle of Las Anod (2007)

During 1991, Somaliland declared an independent state within the borders of the former British Somaliland. The Somali Dhulbahante clan populates the east of this territory – primarily in the Sool, Sanaag and Buuhoodle regions. The Dhulbahante were largely opposed to the attempt to secede from Somalia and did not fully participate in Somaliland’s elections in protest.[29] Ideologically, the Dhulbahante nearly unanimously rejected secession. In 2003, Las Anod came under the control of the unionist Puntland state.[20]

During October 2007, the Somaliland army took over the city during the Battle of Las Anod against Puntland forces.[20] After coming under control of Somaliland, the Dhulbahante residents of the city experienced insecurity.[30] In particular, the Raad Peace Research Institute in Mogadishu reported that this control led to "extreme political, economic, and social marginalization and subjugation of the Dhulbahante clan," including the assassinations of more than 120 prominent community leaders and clan elites.[31] 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.[32][33]

City of Lasanood in 2023

Assassinations of civil leaders and protests

[edit]

The conflict was effectively ignited by the assassination of popular opposition politician Abdifatah Abdullahi Abdi who was shot after he left a mosque.[28][30] After his murder, students took to the streets, protesting against the Somaliland government who they believed responsible for the killing. Somaliland police fired live ammunition and gunned down protesters, killing more than twenty people and sending shockwaves through the community. Cellphone footage of the killings rapidly proliferated abroad via Facebook and WhatsApp. Local clan militias began organizing to retaliate.[30][34] In December 2022, civil demonstrations against the Somaliland government and unrest began to spread northwest across the Sool region, from Taleh to Kalabaydh, Hudun, Boocame and Tukaraq.[35] Somaliland troops withdrew from the city to their Sool outposts[15] and encircled the city.[30]

Following mass protest that continued from December into January 2023, the withdrawal 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.[16] 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.[36]

Declaration of SSC government and start of war

[edit]

Before the war had started, most Dhulbahante commanders and their troops serving in the Somaliland security forces had quit or deserted. Before the fighting had broken out around 4,000 trained troops and their equipment defected.[20] In February 2023 local leaders in Lasanod declared that they would “never accept or participate in [Somaliland’s] separatist programme” and announced their allegiance to Somalia.[28]

Khatumo flag being raised over Las Anod during protests

Declaration of independence

[edit]

6 February 2023 was a decisive moment in the conflict.[20] A declaration of independence was uploaded on social media stating the regions of Sool, Sanaag and Cayn rejected the rule of Somaliland.[30] Rejecting the rule of both the secessionist Somaliland and the unionist Puntland governments,[37] the Dhulbahante clan elders declared their intent to form a state named "SSC-Khatumo" within the framework of the Federal Government of Somalia.[1]

Outbreak of war

[edit]

The Somaliland forces had assumed they could capture the city in a single day, and at 6 am their forces stationed north of Las Anod began shelling the city.[20] Fighting broke out in Las Anod between Somaliland troops and Dhulbahante militias in the Sayadka Hill suburb, with shots heard in the streets surrounding Hamdi Hotel where Somaliland dignitaries were staying.[38] The fighting on the first day of the war was centered on Hotel Hamadi in the east of the city, and by the days end the Somaliland representatives and their forces who had still been present were driven out.[20]

On the first day of fighting 34 people were killed and 164 were injured during the Somaliland army bombardment of the city. Tens of thousands of residents fled the city and became internally displaced persons. The majority of businesses in Las Anod closed and most residents became unemployed.[20] The towns economy collapsed as residents fled artillery shelling.[30]

Battle for Las Anod

[edit]

For nearly 20 days SSC forces battled the Somaliland army on the edge of Lasanod, engaging in fierce house-to-house combat. Somaliland army forces attempting to assert control over the city found the tide turning against them as more and more SSC forces were raised to reinforce its outgunned defenders. Consequently Somaliland security forces switched tactics to bombarding the city indiscriminately with artillery. As a result more than 150,000 people, mostly women, children and the elderly, fled the city to seek refuge. Lasanod fell into a state of siege.[30]

Escalation of fighting

[edit]

During the first weeks of armed clashes, Somaliland forces stationed at the nearby base of Gojacade cut the water supply to Las Anod. A water shortage ensued in the city that significantly impact both the civilian population and the fighters present.[20]

Damage to Laascaanood hospital as a result of Somaliland army artillery shelling on the city during late Feb. 2023

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.[39][16] Many analysts and locals viewed Somaliland President Muse Bihi as the driver of violence. Hate speech against the Dhulbahante clan, largely inspired by Bihi, was widely spread on social media.[40]

That month several heavy battles occurred when Somaliland forces attempted to overrun SSC forces defending the Las Anod. Throughout February, the Somaliland army bombarded the city with rifle fire and artillery.[20] After failing to take the city during a fierce battle on 25 February 2024, all Somaliland army units stationed in eastern Sool region were dispatched to the military base of Gojacade as reinforcements.[41] 90% of Lasanod residents were displaced and region had produced 185,000 internally displaced people and 60,000 refugees within the first month of fighting.[42]

Until the end of February 2024, the fighting was between the Somaliland army and the local Dhulbahante clan. Among the clans fighters were professional soldiers who had defected from the Somaliland army and others had taken leave from the Puntland army or from the Somali National Army to join the fighting. The vast majority of defectors from the Somaliland army and other volunteers were natives of Lasanod and the surrounding countryside.[41] A number of fellow Harti-Darod (including Warsangali, Dashiishe & Majeerteen) clans announced their support for the Las Anod Dhulbahante.[43][44][45] The Dhulbahante are receiving money, equipment and fighters from their allies.[43][44]

Bombardment of Las Anod (March– August 2023)

[edit]

The Somaliland army deployed approximately 28 guuto (battalions) comprising 200 to 400 men around Las Anod during this period, supplemented by over a thousand armed police forces.[20] 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.[46] On March 16, Somaliland troops were reported to be shelling civilians from the surrounding area.[47] After Ethiopia requested the Somaliland army ease the bombardment, artillery shelling ceased for a time. Somaliland security forces arrested protestors in who had demonstrated in other parts of the region in support of the SSC fighters. Due to fighting with Al-Shabaab and pressure from the Dhulbahante, both the regional Puntland government and the federal Somali government have effectively stayed out of the dispute.[40] On 26 March 2023, Somaliland forces launched a major three pronged offensive on Las Anod but failed to make any headway after fierce fighting. Their forces reportedly sustained heavy casualties. Another offensive was attempted on 31 March, but also failed.[20]

Vehicle belonging to SSC troops on the outskirts of Las Anod during fighting with Somaliland forces

During April 2023, the fighting began to stall and became highly sporadic.[20] By May 2023, the five hospitals in the city recorded 373 killed and 2311 injured among the local population.[38] 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."[48] The following day, the Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement expressing their view that the UNSC was "misinformed about the facts on the ground."[49] 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).[50] The World Health Organization published a press release condemning the attack on the facility and the shelling of hospitals.[51] 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".[52]

SSC-Khatumo holds Independence Day celebration in Las Anod

By early August, the conflict had come to a stalemate. Around 20,000 fighters were involved.[53] 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.[54][55] The loss of a respected poet and community member sparked outrage among the residents of Khatumo and Somalia. 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.[55][56]

Fall of Gojacade and Maraaga bases (August 2023)

[edit]

On August 25, SCC-Khatumo forces launched an attack on Somaliland forces on the outskirts of Las Anod, capturing two bases held by the Somaliland Army in Maraaga and Gojacadde. After the unexpected defeat, the Somaliland forces fled in confusion, regrouping to Dhodida in the northwest. SSC-Khatuno claimed this advance also resulted in the capture of Dhuxun, Xargega, Golayeedhay, Canjiid, Adhi'adeye, Samakaab, Yagoori, Wadhake, and Guumays and their respective military bases. Additionally, they claimed to have captured a substantial amount of military equipment, including several T-54/T-55 tanks, multiple ZU-23-2 anti-aircraft aitocannons, eight Fiat CM6614 vehicles, at least one BM-21 multiple rocket launcher, and various undisclosed military assets. They also claimed a significant quantity of weaponry was neutralized during this operation,[3][57] as well as the commander of Somaliland Army's 12th division.[57]

The Economist reported that the Somaliland army suffered a "humiliating defeat" as a result of the war. President Muse Bihi was criticized by many for engaging in a crackdown instead of coming to a comprise.[58] Hundreds of Somaliland troops were taken as prisoners of war by SSC forces.[28] In the aftermath of the offensive, the Somaliland Ministry of Defense released a statement stating that its army withdrew from their positions in the eastern part of the Sool region for "strategic military purposes and is in the phase of reorganizing and preparing to counter the enemy." Somaliland added that some of its forces are missing after encountering difficulties in reaching their intended destinations.[59][60]

Cessation of hostilities

[edit]
SSC press release announcing the end of fighting on 28 August 2023

Following their victory at Gojacade, the SSC-Khatumo administration announced on 28 August 2023, the end of eight months of conflict in the Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn regions. They informed the Federal Government of Somalia, the international community, and the Somali people that the SSC had halted what they referred to as "Somaliland's war of aggression." The administration also stated that it had taken proactive measures to restore stability in the region. These efforts include a strategic withdrawal of forces from Las Anod, facilitating the return of displaced individuals, and launching social support programs. They further assured that detainees would be treated properly, with their rights respected in line with Islamic law, Somali traditions, and international standards.[25]

Following the capture of the Goojacade army base by SSC-Khaatumo, in Fall 2023 the frontline shifted to western Sool, emerging between the villages of Oog and Guumays. According to the Crisis Group, this division roughly corresponded to boundaries between Isaaq and Dhulbahante clans. In September both sides sent reinforcements to the area, raising fears of further clashes, but the new front line remained quiet.[61]

SSC consolidation and Somaliland military build up

[edit]
Somaliland General Tani addressing newly deployed forces in Oog, urging them to be prepared for a tough battle alongside the army (5 Sep 2023)

On 19 October 2023, Somalia officially recognized SSC-Khaatumo as a federal member state.[62] After August 2023 their were only brief outbreaks of armed conflict between SSC and Somaliland. During November 2023, their forces clashed in the villages of Buq-Dharkayn and Yeyle. This fighting increasingly involved militants from the Habr Je'lo sub-clan of the Isaaq, with various Somaliland politicians trying to mobilize the Habr Je'lo to fight the SSC militias as they reside around contested territories.[63] On 4 and 8 December, Somaliland claimed it arrested spies working for Somalia, Khatumo, and Puntland authorities.[64] On 25 December, a clash between two militias in Las Anod killed one and injured three.[65] Somaliland and SSC-Khatumo forces continued to reinforce positions near the frontline throughout December 2023.[64]

Map of the 2023 Las Anod conflict[66][67]
  Under control of Somaliland
  Under control of SSC-Khatumo Administration

A significant escalation in the number of Somaliland army troops being trained in Ethiopia over 2024 have raised concerns that President Muse Bihi is planning a new offensive aimed at conquering the land lost to the SSC regional administration during the summer of 2023. In July 2024 Africa Confidential observed that Bihi may have, "...calculated that a blitzkrieg in the east could restore confidence in him among members of the Isaq clan."[68] During a public speech to the army, Bihi declared that the war would not end until Somaliland achieved victory.[37]

As of August 2024, the front line was 100km west from the city of Las Anod, where a military stalemate presently holds, and the carrying of weapons is strictly prohibited within the city.[28][69] SSC and Somaliland have still not exchanged prisoners of war, with the exception of two injured soldiers.[37] On August 28, serious fighting briefly broke out in Goof, a town under Erigavo District of the Sanaag region, The fighting began after SSC-Khatumo forces accused the Somaliland troops of killing a man named Gelle Egeh Dawan, who they claimed had been murdered.[70]At least 9 were killed. Both sides released statements blaming each other for initiating the skirmish and both also claimed victory.[71][70]

After a several-month long lull in fighting, intense clashes erupted between SSC and Somaliland forces around the town of Qoorlugud in the Buhoodle District of Cayn region from October 31 and continued into November 1, 2024.[72][73][74] Intense gunfire and artillery exchanges occurred during the fighting and both sides are reported to be mobilizing troops to the frontlines, further raising tensions. Daily life in Qoorlugud has been heavily disrupted and residents have been displaced by the fighting.[75] SSC claims it was attacked by Somaliland forces,[76][77][78] while the Somaliland government claims the fighting was orchestrated by the Federal Government of Somalia in order to disrupt the upcoming 2024 presidential election.[79][80][81] The initiator of the fighting remains unclear, as each side accuses the other, and both have claimed victory.[82][76][72][83] The confirmed death toll as a result of the renewed fighting is over 25, with many more injured. Both parties have captured POWs.[84][85]

Allegations of external actors

[edit]

Both sides have alleged the presence of external actors. 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 and Al-Shabaab.[86][68][87] These allegations have been dismissed by experts and observers as Somaliland President Muse Bihi seeking to blame his failures on outsiders.[68] Both the regional Puntland government and the federal Somali government have effectively stayed out of the dispute.[40]

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

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.[92]

Casualties and human rights violations

[edit]

It is not known how many people have been killed in all during the conflict.[21]

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.[19] 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.[19][93]

References

[edit]
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Sources

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