FGS Opens Immigration Office in Las-Anod in Build-Up Towards New State

GOOBJOOG NEWS/LAS-ANOD: The Federal Government has opened a an immigration office in the restive Las-anod in Sool region in what is seen as a move to strengthen government’s control and influence in the contested town.

The Sool, Sanaag and Cayn (SSC)- Khatumo interim leader Abdiqadir Ahmed Aw-Ali inaugurated the Immigration office in the Las-Anod Tuesday following the Federal Government’s endorsement of the interim regional administration.

Las-Anod, which is the capital of Sool region has been the theatre of deadly fighting between SSC-Khatumo forces which are allied to the Federal Government and the Somaliland army. Upwards of 100 people were killed in deadly fighting which resumed late last year and spilled into this year.

Somaliland claimed control of parts of Sool and Sanaag regions and has bitterly contested with Puntland resulting in intermittent deadly clashes.

The Federal Government has indicated its intentions to establish SSC-Khatumo as a new Federal Member State.