The Somaliland military accused the militant insurgency group Al Shabaab of shelling homes and businesses. The allegations come as the international community reiterated its concerns on Tuesday.
Somaliland Army’s Operation Leader and Spokesman of the Army, Abdirahman Abdilahi Hassan (Abdi Dheere)m told media in Hargeisa that the conflict in Las Anod has been “hijacked” by Al Shabaab and that the traditional clan elders from the region are no longer calling the shots.
“The traditional head of the Sool region who has called for peace talks, it is clear that he has been sidelined, and Al Shabaab has taken over the youth he commanded.”
The military spokesman said Al Shabaab fighters were destroying homes and businesses in Las Anod and then blaming the Somaliland government.
“We have the fact that Al-Shabaab destroyed houses in Las’anood, and they still say that they were destroyed by the national army, while they always want us to restore peace in Las’anood,” said Abdi Dheere.
Abdi Dheere did not give any details that could corroborate his claim. However, the allegations come as the Somaliland Council of Ministers issued a statement on Wednesday saying the region is “at war with international terrorist groups.”
Dheere added that he acknowledged the ceasefire ordered by senior Somaliland figures.
Al Shabaab officially denied that it was an active combatant in the conflict and said Somaliland’s claims were designed to illicit international sympathy amidst their crackdown.
The Somaliland government has been accused of shelling Las Anod indiscriminately from the town’s outskirts.
The international community has repeatedly called for an immediate ceasefire and de-escalation of violence.
Nearly two dozen countries issued a joint statement on Tuesday, highlighting their “deep concern” about the indiscriminate shelling.
“We are also deeply concerned about the shelling of civilian infrastructure, which has resulted in casualties and widespread displacement. Attacks against civilians must stop immediately.”
The statement said it was alarmed about the reports of armed mobilization of groups but did not label the combatants as terrorists.
“We urge all sides to adhere to the ceasefire, exercise restraint, and engage in constructive dialogue to establish a pathway towards a peaceful resolution. We reiterate our call for unhindered humanitarian access to urgently address the needs of those displaced and impacted by the ongoing violence.”
The latest round of violence was sparked after a committee of local leaders, religious scholars, and civil society groups declared that they would no longer recognize the Somaliland administration and wanted to rejoin Somalia.
It is estimated that nearly 100 people have been killed, with nearly half the town’s population fleeing.
