GAROWE– Puntland State President Said Abdullahi Deni has endorsed the United Nations Security Council ( UNSC) on the cessation of hostilities in Lascanood city.

Through a press release on Thursday, President Deni thanked the members of the Security Council for their commitment and understanding of the severity of the situation on the ground and the urgent need to end hostilities and beef up humanitarian assistance in the besieged town.

The regional leader also echoed the similar sentiments of the UNSC calling for the immediate withdrawal of Somaliland troops in the contested town to pave way for a credible ceasefire and a return of the displaced people in to the town.

He further asserted that the people who have fled the raging conflict in Lascanood have settled in towns like Garowe, Galkayo, Bosaso, Qardho and Hudun adding that the fleeing students have been incorporated in to schools in Puntland State with 3000 of them sitting for the centralized exams.

The statement comes after the UN Security Council on Thursday last week called for the de-escalation of conflict and hostilities and withdrawal of Somaliland government forces in the contested town of Lascanood so as to allow room for negotiations.

The self- declared autonomous State of Somaliland also welcomed the call for ceasefire stating that its ready for the creation of peace, stabilization of the situation in the town and allow unhindered humanitarian assistance.

Somaliland military have been engaged in offensive with SSC-Khatumo troops who are seeking reunion with the entire Somalia and to establish a Federal State for Sool, Sanaag and Cayn (SSC) regions.

Since the beginning of the conflict on February 6th over 200 people have been killed and hundreds of others injured.

The fighting has also led to mass exodus of people fleeing from their homes for safety with the worst hit being vulnerable mothers and children.