Troops from the 14 October Brigade of the Somali National Army (SNA) have intervened to defuse rising tensions over disputed farmland between the town of Marka and Janaale in the Lower Shabelle region, preventing the situation from escalating into violence.

Commander of the 14 October Brigade, Colonel Osman Muse Mohamed, said units from the brigade’s 141st, 144th, and 145th battalions were swiftly deployed after tensions flared in the area.

The troops successfully separated the opposing sides and restored calm, bringing the standoff under control.

As part of the operation, the soldiers also reopened an irrigation canal that had been blocked due to the dispute, allowing water to once again flow to surrounding farmland.

The restoration of the canal is expected to ease pressure on local farmers whose livelihoods depend on access to irrigation.

Colonel Osman stressed that the military would not tolerate violence arising from disputes that can be resolved peacefully, emphasizing that preserving stability is vital for protecting local communities and ensuring that ongoing security operations against Al-Shabaab are not undermined by internal conflicts.

He added that the mission proceeded as planned and reaffirmed the Somali National Army’s commitment to maintaining security, resolving community disputes, and preventing militant groups from exploiting local tensions.

The intervention comes as security forces continue efforts to stabilize Lower Shabelle, where disputes over land and water resources have periodically threatened security and agricultural production.