Local fighters and Somaliland forces declare victory after a day of intense fight and shelling in Laascaanood

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Local fighters and Somaliland forces declare victory after a day of intense fight and shelling in Laascaanood

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – A fierce gunfight followed by heavy artillery shelling erupted in the eastern suburbs of Laascaanood city, the capital of the Sool region on Tuesday, resulting in numerous casualties.

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A military tank is seen in the east of Laascaanood with Dhulbahante clan fighters facing Somaliland forces.

MOGADISHU (HORN OBSERVER) – A fierce gunfight followed by heavy artillery shelling erupted in the eastern suburbs of Laascaanood city, the capital of the Sool region on Tuesday, resulting in numerous casualties.

The Dhulbahante clan forces engaged in combat and proudly announced their triumph in the battle. Disturbing images circulating on social media depict charred military vehicles and lifeless bodies, identified as soldiers belonging to the Somaliland military.

The clash, which commenced on early on Tuesday morning, reportedly unfolded at Maraga area on the eastern side of the troubled Laascaanood city.

Officials of the Dhulbahante clan fighters claimed that their positions came under attack prompting their defensive response.

Medical facilities in Laascaanood reported receiving injured men as the heavy battle continued to the sunset.

In contrast, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Somaliland issued a press release claiming that the "Somaliland forces valiantly defended against Puntland State forces and various terrorist groups who invaded their positions” during the Tuesday battle.

Puntland, however, did not respond to the Somaliland allegations.

Both sides continue to receive reinforcements and the fighting is expected to prolong in the coming days, according to journalists in the region.

The disputed city of Laascaanood has been a battleground since February 6, witnessing relentless clashes between the self-declared state of Somaliland’s forces and the local militia representing the Dhulbahante clan in northern Somalia.

The prolonged conflict has resulted in a staggering loss of life, with over 150 fatalities reported, while hundreds have sustained injuries. The escalating violence has forced numerous families to flee the war-torn region within the Sool territory, exacerbating an already dire situation.

Startling statistics provided by the UNHCR-led Protection and Return Monitoring Network reveal that this year alone, approximately 200,000 individuals have been displaced from the area due to ongoing conflict and the prevailing sense of insecurity.

The humanitarian crisis deepens as the conflict in Laascaanood rages on, leaving behind a trail of destruction and human suffering in its wake.