In a stark escalation of tensions, Somaliland has issued a chilling threat against Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, warning he could be met with deadly force if he proceeds with a planned visit to the contested city of Las Anod in the Sool region.
Several Somaliland lawmakers held a press conference in Hargeisa, voicing strong opposition to the Prime Minister’s trip and asserting that Las Anod is firmly part of Somaliland’s territory. The city is currently under the control of the self-declared SSC-Khaatumo interim administration, which is aligned with the Somali federal government.
Veteran member of the Somaliland House of Elders, MP Abdirahman Shaadh, didn’t mince words:
“Hamza better not think he can just stroll in here. This is Somaliland. He will be met with bullets—he will be wiped out,” he declared ominously.
Joining in the threats, MP Abdi Timajilic from the Somaliland Parliament stated that any aircraft carrying the Prime Minister would not be allowed to land in Las Anod, vowing it would be destroyed if it tries.
“If Hamza dares come to Las Anod, Somaliland should make sure his plane goes up in flames. We have weapons and troops ready,” Timajilic warned.
This isn’t the first time Somaliland officials have sounded alarm bells over a possible visit by PM Hamza. Earlier, Sool region governor representing Somaliland Ahmed Farah claimed Hamza would “regret” any attempt to meddle, accusing him of reigniting conflict in the region.
The threats come just a day after PM Hamza publicly confirmed his intention to visit Las Anod, stressing that his trip was about strengthening ties with the SSC-Khaatumo administration and had nothing to do with undermining any regional authority.
Observers believe the trip could serve as a litmus test for the Somali federal government’s position on SSC-Khaatumo and its broader development goals for northern Somalia.
Las Anod has been the epicenter of deadly clashes between Somaliland forces and SSC-Khaatumo militias. The power struggle over Sool and Sanaag remains one of the most volatile and unresolved disputes in the Horn of Africa.
