Somaliland government withdraws army from inside Las Anod to de-escalate tension

Somaliland national armed forces have been pulled out from the inside Las Anod city to de-escalate tension and call residents for calm. A senior military officer who addressed the nation about the matter said the army made the decision to step back from the city and relocate themselves in the vicinity after many people including regional elders recommended the army to do so, but affirmed the army could return if tension does not change.

The army also expressed regret for the death of Mohamed Ali Saadle who was killed by the army last night which the officer described as “accidental” and they immediately arrested two army officers in connection with his death.

He said the military court is launching an investigation into the death of Mohamed Ali and the suspects will soon face their charges against them.

The army called people for calm and asked their “enemy” to not aggravate the situation by taking advantage of their revolt against the frequent assassinations in Las Anod as the Somaliland government seeks its level best to command the situation peacefully.