Lasanod (Laascaanood) — the name means "the milky stream" — is the capital of the Sool region in eastern Somaliland. The town sits in the Nugal Valley between two low mountain ranges, at the crossroads of some of the Horn of Africa's best grazing land. The town is in a territory long contested between Somaliland and Puntland. In early 2023 it was the site of serious fighting when Somaliland forces clashed with local clan militias that had declared allegiance to the Somali federal government.
The economy turns on livestock — camels and goats raised on the surrounding semi-arid plateau. The road linking Garowe in Puntland with Hargeisa in Somaliland passes through the town. Investment from the diaspora has funded new villas, hotels and internet cafes, but the political situation remains unresolved. Travel to Lasanod is not recommended; the security environment is unpredictable and access for foreigners is effectively impossible under normal circumstances.