KISMAAYO (Kaab TV) – Forces from the Southwest State of Somalia presidential guard who fled Baraawe have arrived in Kismayo.
The first group of these troops arrived in Kismayo yesterday, while the remaining forces reached the city safely this morning.
Jubaland police officials confirmed that all 123 presidential guard soldiers stationed in Baraawe arrived safely in Kismayo.
Baraawe, the official administrative capital of Southwest State, was taken over yesterday by federal government forces reportedly organized along clan lines.
These forces were deployed from Mogadishu and arrived in Baraawe by boat.
Jubaland security officials also confirmed that the final batch of Southwest State troops landed on Kismayo’s coast at around 9:30 AM (Saturday), where they were received by Jubaland’s Special Marine Police Unit.
The Speaker of the Jubaland Parliament—currently serving as Acting President—along with the Jubaland Minister of Security and the Commander of the Jubaland Police, formally welcomed the arriving troops.
The troops fled Baraawe yesterday after the town fell under the control of federal government forces loyal to Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
At least five boats were used to transport the forces to Kismayo.
Currently, the troops are stationed in Kismayo. Sources in Jubaland say they are expected to be redeployed to Southwest State.
However, it remains unclear how they will return, as air travel between Baydhabo and Kismayo is currently restricted due to a federal government-imposed blockade.