Fighting in northern Somalia leaves over 200 people dead

LAS ANOD, Somalia - Over 200 people mainly innocent civilians have been killed in the troubled town of Las Anod city, a senior director of the hospital handling cases has said, noting that hundreds have been wounded in the process, bringing about congestion in local health facilities.

The intense fighting between Somaliland security forces and SSC-Khatumo forces was triggered by the urge by locals to be administered from Mogadishu instead of Hargeisa. Somaliland claimed self-independence from Somalia in 1991 and has been controlling the Sool region of Somaliland.

There have been calls for a ceasefire by the international community but both sides are yet to agree on the process. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud asked the rival parties to embrace dialogue while insisting that Somaliland is part of Somalia.

Dr. Ismail Mohamoud, director of Gargaar Hospital in Las Anod, said the number of wounded patients is close to 1,000, while more than 200 people have been killed in the fighting. Most of the victims are civilians, he added.

The director noted that the situation has substantially deteriorated due to "unnecessary" shelling of the hospital, noting that a number of buildings hosting critical departments have been destroyed, triggering a possible humanitarian conflict in the town.

About 1,000 people have been injured on the battlefield according to the director, noting that the numbers could rise if an urgent solution is not made. Somaliland has insisted that the military will continue staying in the outskirts of Las Anod until law and order are restored.

GAROWE ONLINE