MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – At least eight people, including a local official, were killed on Wednesday in fierce clashes between pro-Somali federal government forces and Jubaland state forces in Baardheere town, Gedo region, according to local sources.
The three-hour battle broke out in the morning after Jubaland forces seized control of the city administration on Tuesday, forcing the pro-federal government forces to withdraw from the town.
Baardheere remains in a precarious situation, with much of the surrounding rural areas under the control of al-Shabaab militants.
Recent devastating floods have further crippled the town, destroying its only bridge.
Among those killed was Agane Osman Abdi, Baardheere’s City Commissioner for Social Affairs.
A local health official confirmed that civilians were among the casualties, but the exact number of those killed or injured remains unclear.
On Tuesday, Jubaland security forces took over the district administration offices.
In response, pro-federal government forces attempted to retake the town on Wednesday, triggering the deadly confrontation.
Jubaland lawmaker Mohamed Daud Omar blamed Somalia’s Federal Minister of Internal Security, General Abdullahi Ismail Fartaag, for the outbreak of violence.
“The minister is responsible for the casualties and the war in Baardheere today as he authorized the conflict, declaring that he would either be killed or fight for control of the city,” MP Mohamed Daud Omar said.
Federal government officials have not yet commented on the incident, and Minister Fartaag has not responded to the allegations.
The conflict in Baardheere is part of a broader regional power struggle between the Somali federal government and Jubaland authorities, who accuse Mogadishu of attempting to overthrow the leadership of Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe.