Saturday February 18, 2023
Las Anod (HOL) - Ten civilians were killed, and several others were injured after mortar shells hit civilian houses in Las Anod town on Friday, where heavy fighting has been ongoing for over a week between Somaliland forces and pro-federal government forces.
The artillery shelling on the town has caused extensive damage to buildings, and Somaliland forces stationed on the outskirts of the town have been accused of being responsible.
The shelling coincided with a growing call for peace talks to end the conflict in the Sool region.
According to residents, the Somaliland forces targeted the SSC elders' residence in the town, but no casualties were inflicted on the elders.
Aaqil Abdirisaaq Mohamed Hassan (Falalug), the SSC spokesperson, accused Somaliland of bombing the town with mortars daily, intending to massacre the people.
He reiterated that peace talks between SSC and Somaliland are only possible once Somaliland forces leave Las Anod town.
He also denied that any delegations travelled to Las Anod from Hargeisa, Somaliland's administrative capital.
According to an interagency assessment report published on February 13th, 2023, the conflict has claimed the lives of over 170 people, including a mother and her seven children.
Over 500 people have been injured, and more casualties are expected as the fighting continues.