Somalia: Flash Update No. 1 Fighting in Laas Caanood, Sool Region, 9 February 2023

Situation Overview

The security situation in Laas Caanood Town in the disputed Sool Region remains volatile, as heavy fighting between Somaliland security forces and locally armed clan groups entered a fourth day on 9 February. Unconfirmed reports indicate that both sides are using heavy artillery and machine guns, causing serious damage, including to health facilities in the area.

Business activities have been disrupted, impacting access to basic goods, and schools, markets and universities have remained closed since January, when fighting first broke out in the area.

The current fighting was reportedly triggered after Dhulbahante clan elders issued a declaration stating that they are no longer part of Somaliland and that Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions are now governed by the Federal Government of Somalia. Both Somaliland and Puntland claim Sool, Sanaag, and Cayn (Buuhoodle). Fighting in Laas Caanood in January reportedly resulted in the displacement of about 31,000 people and the death of at least 20 people.