Armed clashes break out in Las Anod city
Clan elders meeting in Las Anod. Source: Garowe Online
Forces of breakaway Somaliland exchanged gunfire with local militia in the northern city of Las Anod in Sool region early Monday.
At least 13 people have been killed and 40 others were injured in the clashes, according to medics.
Tensions have been simmering since late last year following protests over a series of assassinations targeting politicians and other prominent figures in Las Anod which the locals blamed on Somaliland authorities.
Military response by Somaliland forces further heightened tensions in the city causing deadly clashes with protesters in which dozens of civilians were reportedly killed.
A convention of clan elders in the city in January, which saw huge pro-Somalia (unionist) protests, was concluded today with the announcement of a separate member state in the Federal Government of Somalia in the form of Khatumo state.
The state comprises of the Sool, Sanaag and Cayn regions, popularly known as SSC which is claimed by both Somaliland and Puntland.
The self-declared Republic of Somaliland authorities of see the announcement of Khatumo state as an infringement of its sovereignty.
