Laascaanood April 21, 2023 (SD) – A report released by the international organization Amnesty International has revealed extensive human rights violations and civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict in the city of Laascaanood in the Sool region. The report stated that more than 100 people have been killed and over 600 injured in the fighting.

According to Amnesty International’s investigation, security forces from Somaliland had indiscriminately attacked and bombed the city, causing significant damage to hospitals, schools, and mosques, as well as killing and injuring innocent civilians.

Local civil society organizations have estimated that between 154,000 and 203,000 people have been displaced by the violence in Laascaanood and surrounding areas. Urgent humanitarian assistance is needed to support these vulnerable populations.

Amnesty International interviewed 37 people who had been affected by the conflict in Laascaanood, including victims, relatives of victims, witnesses, and human rights activists, and documented the abuses they suffered, including extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detention.

The report also called on the Somaliland authorities to take responsibility for the human rights violations and hold those responsible accountable. Amnesty International has urged the international community to provide support for humanitarian aid and to investigate the human rights abuses and civilian casualties in the conflict.

The situation in Laascaanood is complex and has deep roots in historical and political tensions between Somaliland and the SSC-Khaatumo regions. The international community has called on both parties to find a peaceful and sustainable resolution to the conflict.