In a press conference, Somaliland Minister of Defense Abdiqani Maxamuud Caateeye, talked about the new clash between Somaliland forces and armed militia that took place today in LasAnod after the city remained relatively calm for the last days.
Minister Abdiqani stated that new clashes broke out after allegedly the Somalia’s puntland state forces and allied armed militia attacked a military base of Somaliland in the eastern area from two directions.
The Minister reported that both sides exchanged heavy weapons, saying that the Somaliland Army victoriously foiled the “enemies” attack by capturing two armored vehicles and over 20 prisoners of war and 15 BKM guns. However, the minister did not disclose the casualties from their side.
Minister Caateeye, called upon Somalia’s Puntland state to stop entering the borders of Somaliland and to take responsibility for the attacks in lasanod city.
This clash resumed at a time when there have been ongoing peaceful efforts to end the conflict and the city was relatively calm for the last days and no heavy conflicts were reported. 200 people were killed and many more wounded as thousands fled from their homes since the conflict started last month.
