Las Anod facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Las Anod Laascaanood  (Somali) لاسعانود (Arabic)
City
Las Anod Local Government Logo
Nickname(s):  Laaska, L.A.
Las Anod Location in Sool Show map of Sool Las Anod Location in Somaliland Show map of Somaliland Las Anod Location in Horn of Africa Show map of Horn of Africa Las Anod Location in Africa Show map of Africa
Country	Somalia
Regional State	Khatumo
Region	Sool
Government
• Type	District Council
Elevation	691 m (2,267 ft)
Population  (2014)
• City	156,438
• Rank	6th
• Urban	76,498
Time zone	UTC+3 (EAT)

Las Anod (Somali: Laascaanood; Arabic: لاسعانود) is an important city in the Sool region. It is known as the administrative capital of this area. Currently, forces from Khatumo State, which are supported by Somalia, control the city.

Understanding the City's Status

Las Anod is a city that both Puntland and Somaliland claim as their own. Puntland's claim is based on family ties between clans. Somaliland's claim comes from the old borders of the British Somaliland Protectorate. For a time, Las Anod was even named the capital of Khatumo State.

Somaliland forces took control of the city in 2007. They kept control for many years. However, some people in Las Anod did not fully accept Somaliland's rule. This led to ongoing disagreements and safety concerns.

Recent Events: 2023 Conflict

In February 2023, new fighting started in Las Anod. This happened after protests against the government. Forces from Somaliland and Khatumo State were involved. On August 25, 2023, Khatumo State forces won a major victory. They successfully made Somaliland forces leave Las Anod. Because the Somali government supports Khatumo State, Las Anod is now under Somalia's control.

A Look Back at Las Anod's History

Las Anod has a long and interesting history. It has been a significant place for many years.

Before Independence

In 1903, a battle took place near Las Anod. British scouts fought against Dervish scouts. The Dervish movement was a group that resisted colonial rule. This event shows the early conflicts in the region.

Las Anod-Nogal district from 1944 – 1960.

During the time of the British protectorate, Las Anod was the capital of the Nogal District. This district was mainly home to the Dhulbahante clan.

After Independence

After Somalia gained independence, Las Anod continued to be important. The United Somali Party (USP) was started here. This party aimed to unite different clans.

Garad Ali's USP party represented Warsangeli, Gadabuursi and Dhulbahante clans

From 1959 to 1961, Las Anod was the main center for the USP party. This party brought together the Warsangeli, Gadabuursi, and Dhulbahante clans.

A sad event happened in Las Anod in 1969. The Somali President, Abdirashid Ali Shermarke, was visiting the city. He was shot and killed by one of his bodyguards. This led to a military takeover just a few days later. Major General Mohamed Siad Barre led this change.

Over the years, Las Anod has sometimes been wary of central government control. There were conflicts in the city involving political parties.

Recent Developments

In December 2022, a local politician was killed in Las Anod. This led to protests and some people lost their lives. Leaders from both Somaliland and Puntland spoke about the situation. They each accused the other side of causing problems.

In January 2023, Somaliland officials met with local elders. They discussed the ongoing protests in Las Anod. The Somaliland government also warned media outlets. They asked them not to spread news that could make the situation worse.

By February 2023, many people had to leave Las Anod. They sought safety in other places, like Ethiopia. On February 6, local leaders tried to announce a new plan for the region. They wanted to form a Federal Republic of Somalia called SSC-Khaatumo. However, Somaliland troops outside the city shelled the town.

The mayor of Las Anod, Abdirahim Ali Ismail, said the conflict was between the Somaliland army and the people of Las Anod. Other countries, like Djibouti, denied being involved in the fighting.

The United Nations Human Rights Council reported on February 23 that over 185,000 people were displaced. Most of them were women and children. A major hospital was hit by mortar rounds on February 28. This caused more casualties.

Since March 1, 2023, major fighting has stopped. Life has slowly returned to normal. However, the city still faces challenges. On August 25, 2023, Khatumo State forces successfully drove Somaliland forces out of Las Anod.

City's Location and Features

Las Anod is located in the Nugaal Valley. It is an important stop along trade routes in Somaliland and Puntland. The city is surrounded by hills. It also has good water sources. This makes it a popular place for people from drier areas. People from nearby countries like Somalia, Djibouti, and Ethiopia also come here.

Economy and Trade

Shops in Las Anod.

Las Anod's economy relies on trade. Goods mainly come from the Berbera and Bosaso ports. These goods include food items like rice and sugar. Building materials, electronics, and clothes also arrive in the city.

Population and People

In 2014, the Las Anod District had about 156,438 people. The city is mostly home to the Somali ethnic group. Many people from the Dhulbahante sub-clan live here. Other groups, like the Fiqishini, are also present.

Education and Learning

Las Anod has many schools for young people. There are both private and public primary schools. Some of these include Gol Khatumo, Gateway, and Sool primary schools.

For older students, there are secondary schools like Ilays Educational Academy and Nugaal High School. Nugaal University was the first university in the area. It opened in 2004. Other universities like Ilays National University and Gollis University also opened in 2015.

Manhal Hospital

The city also has other learning centers. These include the Sool Institute of Health Sciences and Sahal Software College.

Weather and Climate

Las Anod has a hot desert climate. This means it is very warm or hot all the time. It gets very little rain. Most rain falls in May and October.

Culture and Media

Dervish movement (1899–1920) commemoration event in Las Anod 2016, with congregants wearing Shiikhyaale attire, i.e. a Dervish duubcad

Las Anod has several media companies. These include Somnews, SBS, Radio Las Anod, and Universal TV. They help share news and information with the community.

Famous People from Las Anod

Many notable people have come from Las Anod. They have achieved success in different fields.

• Rooda Xassan – A designer who created the Khatumo flag.
• Abdi Bile – A world champion athlete in long-distance running.
• Abdinasir Ali Hassan – A successful business person and CEO of Hass Petroleum.
• Abdirisak Khalif – The current Speaker of the House of Representatives in Somaliland.
• Abdirahman Mohamed Abdi Hashi – A Minister of Fisheries and Marine Resources in Somalia.
• Ali Khalif Galaydh – A former President of Khaatumo State and Prime Minister of Somalia.
• Bashe Mohamed Farah – A former Speaker of the Somaliland House of Representatives.
• Eng Mohamed Isse Lacle – A Colonel in the Somali Navy and former Deputy Minister.
• Garad Jama Garad Ali – A respected clan chief of the Dhulbahante.
• Hodan Nalayeh – A well-known TV host and journalist.
• Mohamed Abdi Hashi – A former Chairman of USP and Vice President of Puntland.
• Abdi Hassan Mohamed – The current Police Commissioner of the Somali Police Force.

See also

In Spanish: Las Anod para niños