The government of Somaliland has issued a serious warning to the Puntland administration following a fierce battle that erupted in the city of Lascaanood in the Sool region. The conflict took place in the area of the Gojacadde camp in Lascaanod town, with Somaliland accusing the Puntland forces of being involved in the fighting.
Speaking to the media, Somaliland Defense Minister Abdiqani Mohamud Aateeye accused the Puntland administration of supporting allied groups and being part of the conflict. He warned the regional administration of Puntland against attacking the borders of the Republic of Somaliland and stated that any such actions would be met with a strong response.
Somaliland has repeatedly accused the Puntland regional government of planning to expand the ongoing war in Lascaanood and of attacking their forces. However, Puntland has denied these allegations and distanced itself from the conflict in Lascaanood, which has been ongoing for more than a month.
In an effort to resolve the situation peacefully, Somaliland has announced that it is ready for dialogue and is committed to maintaining the ceasefire that was previously agreed upon. The government of Somaliland has also called on the international community to support its efforts to maintain peace and stability in the region.
The conflict in Lascaanood is a source of concern for the region, and the international community has urged both sides to exercise restraint and work towards a peaceful resolution. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential for all parties involved to prioritize dialogue and de-escalation to prevent further violence and instability.
The Disputed Region
The conflict between Somaliland and Puntland has been ongoing for several years and revolves around the disputed Sool and Sanaag regions, which both sides claim as their own. The dispute dates back to the collapse of the Somali government in 1991 and has been a source of tension and occasional violence ever since.
In recent years, the conflict has escalated, with both sides accusing the other of provocation and aggression. In November 2020, a ceasefire was agreed upon, but sporadic clashes have continued, including the recent battle in Lascaanood.
The conflict is not just limited to military action. There have also been economic and political measures taken by both sides to assert their dominance over the disputed regions. For example, Somaliland has established its own administration in the region, while Puntland has attempted to assert control over key towns and cities.
The dispute is further complicated by the involvement of various armed groups, many of whom are affiliated with clan militias. These groups have been accused of carrying out attacks on civilians and exacerbating the violence in the region.
The international community has been involved in efforts to resolve the conflict, with various mediation efforts and peace talks taking place over the years. However, progress has been slow, and the underlying issues that drive the conflict have yet to be fully addressed.
The ongoing conflict between Somaliland and Puntland is a significant source of instability in the region, with the potential to escalate further and spill over into neighboring countries. It is essential for both sides to work towards a peaceful resolution and for the international community to support efforts to de-escalate the situation and address the underlying issues driving the conflict.
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