BURAO (SD) – Protests erupt in Burao city, Togdheer region, opposing social media reports claiming the Somaliland government will release prisoners captured during the Las Anod conflict.

The protesting public demanded that if prisoners are to be released, Somaliland prisoners held in Las Anod city should be freed first.

Protesters burned tires on the city’s main roads and threw stones at security forces who attempted to disperse them.

Security forces opened fire, resulting in two deaths and three injuries, according to reports.

The Chairman of Somaliland’s House of Elders, Saleeban Mahmoud Adan, recently proposed that the government retain all prisoners in its custody. He stated that prisoner exchange negotiations with SSC Khaatumo cannot occur, as this would diminish Somaliland’s status.

He also noted that Somali clan elders who have united in peace efforts between both sides should be utilized to facilitate the release of Somaliland’s prisoners.

The Somaliland government has described the claim of the release of the Las Anod prisoners as a falsehood.