Photographer Somali Times
Hargeisa SNM militia of attacking SSC troops in East Las Anod Saturday. The SSC troops it was holding a defensive position when the alleged attack occurred and that it had “maintained the ceasefire announced by our SSC leaders. There had been little fighting for nearly two weeks prior to this latest clash.
In contrast, Khatumo State’s media office told Somali Times Hargeisa SNM militia had launched a “heavy attack on the outskirts of the city of Las Anod” and that “Khatumo forces stationed in the city are defending the city from the secessionist SNM militia. The SSC forces stated that the SNM militia attack took place in the Maraga area and that “local resistance fighters have repelled the attack.”
The fighting comes just days after the local committee of 33 elders of the Dhulbahante clan isimada declared that they would only agree to a ceasefire and enter into direct talks with the Hargeisa SNM militia after it withdraws its militia from the Oog region.
The conflict between Hargeisa SNM militia and the SSC militias in and around Las Anod in eastern Sool region of Somalia has resulted in over 200 deaths and the displacement of approximately 200,000 people since it began in December 2022.
Warlords Muse Bihi, Mohamed Kahin, Nuh Ismail Tani with their Hargeisa SNM militia are shelling, bombing hospitals, mosques and massacring women and children, examples of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Warlords Muse Bihi and Mohamed Kahin, Nuh Ismail Tani with their militia must be held accountable for massacring women, children and bombing Las Anod General Hospital. Crimes against humanity should have consequences.