The Somaliland army has reiterated its intention to launch an offensive against SSC-Khatumo forces in Las Anod following heavy fighting on the town’s outskirts on Saturday.
According to Faisal Abdi Botan, the commander of the 12th Brigade of the Somaliland Army, the army is taking strong military measures in the town.
Botan stated in an interview with Somaliland-owned media from the Goja-Adde command near Las Anod that the national army would intensify its operations and take “an unforgettable” step against the enemy.
The commander alleged that the opposing forces had suffered heavy losses in Saturday’s fighting and accused the Puntland administration of involvement in the conflict.
In response to the Somaliland claims, Abdirizak Mohamed Hassan, the spokesman for the 33-member SSC elders’ committee, stated that they had killed 100 soldiers of the Somaliland army and wounded another 100. Hassan added that they had defeated the Somaliland army in the war.
Last week, the Somaliland military announced its intent to launch offensive attacks against the SSC Khatumo forces in Las Anod, marking a shift in strategy.
Despite mediation efforts by different parties, attempts to reach a ceasefire have been unsuccessful. The parties have announced ceasefires at various times, but the fighting has not stopped.
Recently, the United States called on both parties to adhere to a ceasefire and suggested that Somaliland withdraw its troops to a distance, a proposal that has proven difficult for Somaliland to accept.
