Mogadishu (Somaliguardian) – Heavy fighting broke out on Tuesday in the town of Balad-Hawo, located in Gedo region of southern Somalia, between Somalia’s federal government troops and forces loyal to Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe. The clashes erupted shortly after the newly appointed commander of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA), Abdirashid Janan, arrived in the town by helicopter.
Janan, a controversial figure and former Jubaland security minister previously implicated in human rights abuses, landed at a Somali federal military base alongside another helicopter. His unexpected arrival reportedly triggered the hostilities.
According to eyewitnesses, normal life was proceeding in the town—with businesses open and residents engaged in daily activities—when heavy gunfire suddenly erupted. “No one knew Janan was coming,” said a journalist from Universal Somali TV, highlighting the surprise nature of the event.
Jubaland forces, who control the police station and key parts of Balad-Hawo—a strategic town on the Somalia-Kenya border—had anticipated Janan’s landing at a local airstrip built by residents. Instead, he arrived at a federal army base, prompting a rapid response from Jubaland-aligned troops.
Casualties have not been immediately known. Both sides issued conflicting statements, each accusing the other of initiating the attack. However, local sources indicated that Jubaland forces may have fired the first shots.
The Somali Ministry of Security stated that federal troops successfully repelled an attack on their positions by Jubaland forces. Meanwhile, Jubaland authorities claimed they remain in control of the town and are pursuing retreating federal forces.
Tensions have been building amid federal government plans to begin voter registration in Gedo region—a move opposed by Jubaland. The incident marks the end of a months-long lull in fighting between the two sides.
The federal government referred to Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe in its statement as a “defendant,” referencing a 2024 court summons issued by a Mogadishu-based court. Authorities also warned that anyone found responsible for fueling the violence would be held accountable.
Similar clashes have occurred in the past, notably in Dolow, Kulbiyow, and Raskamboni—other key towns in Jubaland—where Jubaland forces reportedly gained the upper hand, inflicting defeats on federal troops.
Political tensions in Gedo region often escalate during election periods. Both federal and regional authorities vie for control over the selection of Members of Parliament from the region, a critical factor in determining Somalia’s next president through the country’s indirect electoral system.
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