Somaliland: 20 dead in a clash

Lasanod, The Gulf Observer: At least 20 people, most of them civilians, have been killed and around another 30 wounded in clashes between protesters and security forces in Somaliland, hospital sources said.

The casualties have taken place in Lasanod, the administrative capital of Sool in Somalia’s breakaway region, which has been wracked by unrest for over a week.

The town is disputed between Somaliland and the semiautonomous state of Puntland, with the neighbours having fought several times over the territory.

20 dead as protesters clash with security forces in Somaliland

Protesters have been on the streets of Lasanod to demand the expulsion of security forces and for the town to be handed over to Puntland authorities.

They also blame Somaliland forces for growing insecurity in the town, which has recently seen a spate of political assassinations.

Hospital workers in Lasanod confirmed the casualty count to Anadolu Agency, requesting anonymity due to fear of reprisals.