The Somaliland military announced on Sunday their intent to launch offensive attacks against the SSC Khatumo forces in Las Anod, marking a shift in strategy.
“From today, the Somaliland National Defense Forces (SNDF) has transitioned from a defensive approach to an offensive against foreign invaders in Las Anod. Professionally planned strategic military operations will be launched moving forward,” read a statement from Somaliland’s National Defense Forces.
The announcement coincided with Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi’s visit to the military’s national headquarters in Hargeisa, where senior security officials briefed him on the Las Anod conflict.
Dheere claimed that Somaliland forces had taken a defensive stance when SSC forces, backed by Puntland, attacked them.
Faysal Ali Warabe, leader of Somaliland’s opposition party, the Justice and Development Party (UCID), welcomed the offensive. Warabe had previously criticized Somaliland’s military for its “heavy-handed” response towards protestors in Las Anod at the beginning of the crisis.
The Las Anod conflict has resulted in over 200 deaths, 1,500 injuries, and nearly 200,000 displacements since early February.
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