BELED-HAWO (Kaab TV) – At least five people were killed on Tuesday in fierce clashes in Beled-Hawo, a border town in Somalia’s Gedo region, following a confrontation between Jubaland forces and troops loyal to Abdirashid Abdinuur Janan, recently appointed by the Federal Government as the regional NISA (National Intelligence and Security Agency) commander for Jubaland.
The fighting erupted inside the town after Janan’s forces, reportedly airlifted in on two helicopters, advanced towards Beled-Hawo.
Jubaland forces eventually regained full control of the town, while Janan’s fighters retreated to a nearby military base known as “UK Camp.”
Eyewitnesses reported heavy gunfire and the use of military vehicles during the exchange.
Jubaland authorities stated they had captured ten members of Janan’s force, who were allegedly deployed from Mogadishu.
In a statement, Jubaland’s Ministry of Information accused the Federal Government of orchestrating the attack, claiming government-supplied aircraft were used to transport Janan’s troops.
“Jubaland strongly condemns the heinous actions carried out by Villa Somalia,” the statement read.
The Federal Government, in response, blamed Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Ahmed Madobe) for instigating the violence.
Somalia’s Ministry of Internal Security warned against what it called the misuse of armed groups by regional leaders.
“The government issues a stern warning to militias being wrongfully used by Ahmed Madobe,” it said in a statement.
Tensions Remain High
Although the fighting has subsided, tensions remain high in Beled-Hawo.
Residents expressed fears that violence could erupt again, as both sides continue to maintain a military presence in and around the town.
Sources told Kaab TV that Janan remains stationed at the Camp UK with over 200 troops, while Jubaland forces have encircled the area.
Tuesday’s fighting forced many civilians to flee, and local communities fear further displacement if clashes resume.
Jubaland Vice President Mahmoud Sayid Adan, Security Minister Gen. Mohamed Darwish, and senior security officials visited Jubaland positions in the Mandera area today to assess the situation.
Who is Abdirashid Janan?
Abdirashid Abdinuur Janan is a former district commissioner of Doolow and previously served as Jubaland’s Security Minister before falling out with the regional administration.
He has been accused of serious human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings—some involving women—and obstructing humanitarian aid to starving internally displaced people.
Janan was arrested in Mogadishu in August 2019 on charges related to human rights violations but was later released.
Last week, Janan was appointed by Somalia’s NISA to head the agency’s operations in Jubaland.
The incident reflects deepening tensions between the Jubaland administration and the Federal Government, which have clashed over constitutional reforms and electoral processes.
In recent months, the Federal Government has increased military mobilization in Gedo, seeking to assert control and organize elections in areas traditionally under Jubaland’s influence—moves that have been firmly opposed by regional leaders.