During the pre-independence period, Las Anod served as an early center for Mohammed Abdullah Hassan's Dervish resistance. On October 15, 1969, while paying a visit to the city, Somalia's then President Abdirashid Ali Shermarke was shot dead by one of his own bodyguards. His assassination was quickly followed by a military coup d'état on October 21, 1969, in which the Somali Army seized power without encountering armed opposition — essentially a bloodless takeover. The putsch was spearheaded by Major General Mohamed Siad Barre, who at the time commanded the army. Large protests have also been staged in the city against visiting delegations from Somaliland. Additionally, the Khaatumo authorities have condemned the occupation and demanded that Somaliland withdraw its troops.
Territorial dispute
The city is disputed by Puntland and Somaliland. The former bases its claim due to the kinship ties between the Dhulbahante clan and the dominant clan in Puntland, the Majerteen. Whilst the later's claim is grounded on the border of the former British Somaliland Protectorate. In 2018, there were clashes between Puntland and Somaliland in the town of Tukaraq in which the Puntland vowed to recapture Las Anod. The residents of the city demonstrated their loyalty to Puntland via widespread protests.
Geography
Las Anod is strategically positioned along the trade routes in Somaliland. The city is almost surrounded by hills and has considerable water resources, the latter of which makes it a prime destination for peoples from other parts of generally arid Somaliland as well as from neighboring countries such as Somalia, Djibouti and Ethiopia.
Demographics
According to the UNDP 2005 the Las Anod District had an estimated population of 75,436 inhabitants. The city is primarily inhabited by people from the Somali ethnic group, with the Dhulbahante sub-clan of the Darod well-represented.
Education
Las Anod has various primary schools which are private and Public. Currently there are 6 Primary Schools in the city of Las Anod; Golkhatumo, Gateway, Abyan, Ilays, Imamu Shafi and Sool primary schools. Secondary school education is provided by Ilays Educational Academy, Muse Yusuf and Nugaal High Schools. Founded in 2004, Nugaal University is the first post-secondary institution of higher learning to be established in the area. The first group of four-year Nugaal University students graduated in September 2009. Also there are Ilays National University and Gollis University both established in Las Anod in 2015. There are also a number of academic institutions in Las Anod which provide diverse education services such as Sool Institute of Heath Sciences, Al-Furqan Islamic Institute, Sahal Software College, Future Technology Center etc.
Economy
Las Anod's economy is mainly centered on pastoralism and communications, with some additional retail trade. The area around the city is rich in livestock, while mobile phone and money transfer services provide almost 40% of tax revenues. The main telecommunication services available in Las Anod are operated by Telesom, Somtel and Golis Telecom Somaliland, among other companies. Several Somali banks also have branches in Las Anod such as Salaam Bank, Amal Bank, Dara-Salaam Bank and Dahabshiil Bank.
Landmarks and services
Las Anod Airport offers air transportation to local residents. The city also has a general hospital, the Las Anod Hospital, which was opened in 1958. There is also a privately operated hospital called Manhal, established in 2010. In addition, the Las Anod features several landmarks. Among these sites are Goolad, Dhiif Hotel, Laba Qow, Geedka Jacaylka, Masjid Jama, Ataash Hotel, Royal, Hotel Hamdi, Durdurka, Darayda, Abdi Bille Football Stadium, Hills of Hilble, and Hills of Sayidka.
