A new security and political standoff has emerged in Jalalaqsi district of Somalia’s Hiiraan region after reports indicated that armed Ma’awisley fighters took control of the town’s airport and blocked its main bridge ahead of a planned visit by Hirshabelle President Ali Abdullahi Hussein (Ali Guudlaawe).
According to local reports, the fighters moved into several strategic locations in Jalalaqsi, including the district’s airstrip and bridge, effectively controlling key access points to the town.
The developments come as a delegation from the Hirshabelle administration, led by President Ali Guudlaawe, was expected to travel to Jalalaqsi.
The reported takeover could significantly complicate the planned visit. Control of the airport may prevent aircraft from landing, while the closure of the bridge could restrict the movement of vehicles, security personnel, and government officials traveling to the district.
As of now, the reasons behind the action by the Ma’awisley forces have not been officially clarified.
Jalalaqsi is a strategically important town in Hiiraan, located near the Shabelle River and serving as a key link between several communities in the region.
Any disruption to movement through the town can have wider implications for local security, administration, and transportation.
The incident comes amid longstanding political and security tensions in Hiiraan, where disputes over governance, representation, and regional administration have periodically surfaced.
President Ali Guudlaawe has faced criticism from some political figures and community groups in the region over issues related to governance, security, and relations between the Hirshabelle administration and local stakeholders.
The federal government also has a strong interest in maintaining stability across Hirshabelle at a time when military operations against Al-Shabaab and broader state-building efforts remain ongoing.
Any escalation in Jalalaqsi could complicate those efforts and create new challenges for regional authorities.
It remains unclear whether negotiations are underway to resolve the situation or whether the planned visit by the Hirshabelle delegation will proceed as scheduled.
Authorities have yet to issue a detailed statement regarding the reported seizure of the airport and bridge.