Las Anod Now is Staging Ground for Terror Operations for East African Region
Somaliland cautioning the world about the terror operations being plotted in Las Anod by Al Shabab for the wider region of East Africa
Following a previous communication from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Somaliland government has again stated that terrorist organizations operating in Somalia’s regions are flocking to the city of Las Anod, providing specifics regarding their number and origin.
In a press release issued by the Somaliland Ministry of Interior, it is cautioning the people of Somaliland as well as the international community that the city of Las Anod is home to terrorist organizations that have relocated from the Central Regions of Somalia and Puntland administration.
It was mentioned in the press release that the biggest number of terrorist groups entered the city of Las Anod after the 25th of August, 2023, which was the day that the Somaliland military forces vacated their positions in the East of Sool District.
The Ministry of Interior said that the extremist groups in Las Anod belong to the Al-Shabaab group, and they are of three cohorts:
1- The first group of terrorists arrived in Lasanood and Buhoodle from the Galgala mountains, known as strongholds for Al-Shabaab and ISIS.
2- Another group came from south-central Somalia, particularly, Lower and Middle Shabelle following their defeat by the recent offensive military campaign waged by the federal government of Somalia.
3- The largest group originated from training camps operated by Abdi Madobe, the representative of Al-Shabaab in Buhoodle. These camps, which are located in the Horufadhi and Shululux areas have been used as training ground for Al-shabaabs foot soldiers and the indoctrination of villagers with extremist ideologies.
Abdi Madobe is a former personal bodyguard to Aden Hashi Cayrow, the former Al-Shabaab leader, he sustained injuries during his involvement with terrorist activities.
The Government of the Republic of Somaliland is going to lunch targeted, surgical operations to ensure the safety and security of the residents of Lasanood and Buhoodle and the wider Horn of Africa region.