The Somali town of Laas Anood has erupted in deadly protests following the killing of prominent opposition blogger Hadraawi. Over a week of violent demonstrations and a harsh security crackdown by Somaliland forces has left around 40 people dead, most of them civilians. The unrest has deepened tensions between Somaliland and Puntland, raising fears of potential armed conflict in the disputed Sool and Sanaag regions. The causes of the killings remain unclear, with both targeted and random attacks reported against security personnel, clan elders, business leaders, and activists. While Somaliland authorities allege a “third force” is trying to destabilise the region, Puntland voices express concern over the unrest’s potential to radicalise local populations and fuel separatist movements such as the proposed SSC (Sool, Sanaag, Cayn) state.