Somaliland’s Military commander in Sool region sends stern warning against provocateurs in Las Anod

The Military commander in Sool region for Somaliland Brigadier General Mahad Ambashe has warned those he claims to seek to destabilize Las Anod, saying that the army will take the responsibility to restore normalcy if protests continue.

He noted the army’s decision to back to barracks was to de-escalate tension which was subsequent to consultations with the elders of the local community. He warned that if Las Anod descends into anarchy, the Somaliland soldiers would return to the town to protect life and property.

The Commander also recognised that when Somaliland authorities first arrived in the area, there was little security and the inter-clan violence was frequent, but now the residents enjoy peace and prosper as the Somaliland government has implemented tremendous developmental projects in the city.

Mahad Ambaashe apologized for the loss of life caused by the riots. However, he argued that the Somaliland military exercised restraint and that there could have been unprecedented casualties if the army did not react immediately to the matter.