Somaliland expresses deep concern over WHO statement on Las'anod conflict

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Somaliland expresses deep concern over WHO statement on Las'anod conflict

HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) – Somaliland says it is deeply disturbed by the recent statement issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the ongoing conflict in Las'anod (also known as Laascaanood).

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Since violence erupted in Las Anod, Sool region, at the beginning of February, at least 150 people have been killed and hundreds more wounded.

HARGEISA (HORN OBSERVER) – Somaliland says it is deeply disturbed by the recent statement issued by the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the ongoing conflict in Las'anod (also known as Laascaanood).

The statement, released on Saturday, deplored the killing of civilians and the shelling of a hospital in the city.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland released an official statement in reaction to the WHO press release dated July 13.

The WHO’s statement condemned the latest attack on a health facility in Las’anod, which occurred on July 11, 2023. According to the WHO, the attack resulted in the loss of numerous lives and injuries, including health care workers and patients, as well as the destruction of two ambulances.

"WHO extends its sincere condolences to the families of those health care workers who have been killed and injured in this attack. We urge all parties in conflict to respect the neutrality of health care and the obligations of the health community to the duty of care,” said Dr Ahmed Al-Mandhari, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

The ongoing conflict between Somaliland forces and Dhulbahante forces has caused significant unrest in and around Laascaanood, the capital of the Sool region.

Since violence erupted in Las’anod in early February, humanitarian non-governmental organizations have reported a death toll of at least 150 people, with hundreds more sustaining injuries. The situation has also resulted in the displacement of nearly 200,000 individuals.

Somaliland declared its independence from the rest of Somalia in 1992 but has not been yet recognized internationally. However, elders in the Sool region, in which Las’anod is the capital, want to remain part of Somalia.