Somaliland Forces Shell a Laascaanood Traditional Leader’s House

Garad Mukhtar (right) showing the shrapnel that pierced through the window of his house in Laascaanood last night.

LAASCAANOOD (PP News Desk) — Six days after Somaliland administration declared a unilateral ceasefire, its forces based on the skirts of Laascaanood, last night shelled the house of a traditional leader who was being interviewed live on Brit Somali TV, a YouTube channel.

Garad Mukhtar Garaad Cali was in his house in central Laascaanood talking to Abdihafid Mohamud, the Somali Brit TV host, when an artillery shrapnel pierced through the window of his house, forcing the traditional leader to duck. He immediately picked the shrapnel and showed it to viewers. “ This is the ceasefire Somaliland has called for ” said Garad Mukhtar, who was holding the shrapnel in his hand. The shelling further damaged the credibility of Somaliland administration despite its calls for a ceasefire.

Last night, Laascaanood saw the heaviest shelling by Somaliland forces since the conflict erupted more than a week ago. The International Community deplored the continued shelling of Laascaanood by Somaliland forces. 

© Puntland Post, 2023