MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s federal government airlifted hundreds of troops to the southwestern Gedo region on Thursday, days after fierce clashes erupted between federal forces and fighters loyal to Jubaland regional administration in the town of Balad Hawo on the country’s border with Kenya.
A plane carrying hundreds of Turkish-trained officers from the Haram’ad police unit landed in Garbaharey, the regional capital of Gedo, late Thursday amid rising tensions and an ongoing military buildup by both the federal government and Jubaland authorities.
The latest escalation follows heavy fighting in Balad-Hawo on Tuesday, shortly after the arrival of Abdirashid Janan — the newly appointed regional commander of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) — from Mogadishu.
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Jubaland-aligned forces reportedly seized control of the town, while Somali army units and NISA agents continue to hold a military outpost on its outskirts. Fears are mounting of renewed clashes as both sides mobilize reinforcements.
The conflict stems from a broader power struggle over control of the region, intensified by the federal government’s controversial plans to begin voter registration for a one-person, one-vote election championed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The electoral process has been strongly opposed by the leaders of Jubaland, Puntland, and the opposition, who cite insecurity, weak institutions, and the federal government’s limited authority outside Mogadishu as key concerns.
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