Heavy fighting broke out on Monday between Somalia’s national army and forces from the semi-autonomous Jubaland state near the border town of Beled Hawo in the Gedo region. According to an official statement from Somalia’s Ministry of Defence, two army officers and ten Jubaland fighters were killed.
The ministry said government troops repelled a “surprise” attack by Jubaland forces, forcing them to retreat after inflicting “heavy losses.” Calm was later restored after securing the flashpoint area.
Mogadishu has accused Jubaland forces of attempting to “undermine security and stability,” calling the attack a “subversive act” that threatens Somalia’s unity. Beled Hawo’s mayor separately accused Jubaland of cutting off the town’s water supply days before the assault, worsening the humanitarian situation.
Tensions between Somalia’s federal government and the Jubaland administration have escalated since 2019, following disputed regional elections. Mogadishu accuses Nairobi of providing military backing to Jubaland, while Jubaland claims the central government is trying to undermine the federal system and encroach on its autonomy.
These tensions are hampering efforts to combat the Al-Shabaab insurgency, which remains active in neighbouring areas. Reports indicate that several Jubaland fighters fled into Kenya and Ethiopia, where border guards disarmed them. The Somali government has formally requested their extradition.
