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According to military officials, the operation was carried out after intelligence reports indicated that Al-Shabaab fighters were amassing in and around Birta Dheer, likely preparing for future attacks or consolidating their positions. The offensive was part of a broader military campaign aimed at dismantling the militant group’s presence in the southern region of the country.

Witnesses and unofficial sources have reported that the battle resulted in casualties and material losses on both sides. However, there has been no official statement detailing the number of casualties or the extent of the damage sustained during the operation.

Military spokespersons have confirmed that the army succeeded in destroying several enemy hideouts, including key operational bases and shelters believed to have been used by the militants for planning and logistical purposes.

“This mission was part of our ongoing efforts to eliminate Al-Shabaab from the Gedo region entirely,” said an SNA official, who emphasized that the operation proceeded according to plan. “We are committed to eradicating these elements and restoring peace and stability to the region.”

The Somali government, in collaboration with regional authorities and local communities, has intensified its counterinsurgency efforts in recent months. The Gedo region, which has long been a stronghold for Al-Shabaab, has witnessed an increase in military activity as part of the national campaign to reclaim territory and disrupt militant operations.

As the security situation continues to evolve, more operations are expected in the coming weeks. Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to remain vigilant and cooperate with the armed forces as they work to restore safety and order.

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Jubbaland authorities have publicly accused the governments of Egypt and Eritrea of playing a destabilizing role in the region. According to Jubbaland officials, both countries are allegedly fueling the conflict to pursue their own strategic interests in the Horn of Africa.

Speaking in a televised interview, Jubbaland’s Vice President, Mohamud Sayid Adan, claimed that Egypt and Eritrea are directly involved in the unrest in Gedo. He suggested that the two nations are attempting to extend their influence toward the Ethiopian border by manipulating the situation on the ground.

“The Gedo region has effectively been handed over to Egypt and Eritrea,” said Vice President Adan. “We will never allow our territory to be drawn into the conflicts and geopolitical agendas of foreign powers.”

In contrast, the Federal Government of Somalia has intensified efforts to assert full control over the Gedo region. Authorities in Mogadishu are reportedly working toward establishing Gedo as a separate administrative region, independent from the Jubbaland state, which could significantly reshape the federal structure of Somalia.

Analysts believe that the growing competition over Gedo highlights deeper tensions between regional states and the central government, exacerbated by international involvement and shifting alliances in the Horn of Africa.

As the situation develops, the Gedo region remains a flashpoint for conflict and a potential catalyst for broader instability in Somalia’s already complex political environment.

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According to eyewitnesses in Dolow, the offensive targeted a government military base late last night, sparking intense fighting between the opposing sides. The battle involved the use of various types of heavy weaponry and continued for several hours, shaking the surrounding area and alarming residents.

Preliminary reports indicate that the clash resulted in casualties among both the combatants and the local civilian population. However, the exact number of dead and wounded has yet to be confirmed by official sources.

The motive behind the assault remains unclear. However, local media reports suggest that the attack may have been carried out by forces loyal to former Jubbaland Security Minister Abdirashid Janan. Janan, a controversial figure, recently criticized the federal government’s appointment of a new NISA commander in the Gedo region—an appointment that has reportedly deepened tensions between the Federal Government of Somalia and the Jubbaland administration.

This incident is the latest flare-up in a long-running political and military standoff between Mogadishu and the semi-autonomous Jubbaland region, with Gedo often serving as a flashpoint in their disputes.

Both the Federal Government and Jubbaland authorities are expected to issue official statements and potentially engage in negotiations or consultations over the coming hours in response to the violence.

As of this morning, the situation in Dolow has calmed somewhat, though local residents remain on edge. There is widespread fear that hostilities could reignite at any moment, plunging the region back into armed conflict.

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In an exclusive interview with Kaab TV, Commissioner Lafey said federal forces are attempting to challenge Jubbaland’s authority in the region, risking renewed violence in previously peaceful areas like Doolow.

“Doolow has enjoyed years of relative peace, but the federal government’s interference is now creating serious security threats,” said Lafey.

Tensions escalated last week when the federal government dismissed Doolow’s local security leadership, prompting those officials to join Jubbaland state forces.

The move has led to a standoff between federal troops and Jubbaland-aligned forces, both maneuvering around the town.

Located in southern Gedo on the Somalia-Ethiopia border, Doolow is a strategically vital hub for humanitarian operations.

It hosts several UN agencies and, as of April 2024, sheltered more than 20,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR).

Thousands more have crossed into Ethiopia, seeking refuge in the Melkadida camp in Dollo Ado.

“The ongoing political rift between Jubbaland and the federal government is compromising the security of Doolow,” said Commissioner Lafey, warning that Mogadishu is attempting to detach Gedo from Jubbaland and create a parallel administration.

“Such moves will only inflame further conflict in the region.”

Al-Shabaab remains a serious threat

Doolow is notable for being the only town in Gedo that has never fallen under the control of the militant group Al-Shabaab, although the group has repeatedly carried out deadly attacks there.

Lafey warned that Al-Shabaab remains a serious threat, especially in rural areas, and blamed the federal government for exploiting insecurity in places like Garbaharey, the capital of Gedo.

“We know what’s happening in Garbaharey,” he said. “There is no development for the people, and the government is trying to take advantage of that.”

The commissioner also criticized the federal government’s military campaign in Raaskambooni late last year, where federal forces clashed with Jubbaland troops near the Kenyan border.

The offensive ended in a setback for the federal government, with many of its troops captured or surrendering to Kenyan authorities in what is believed to be the largest troop surrender in Somali history.

“The fighting in Raaskambooni could have been avoided,” Lafey lamented. “Somali youths lost their lives, and to this day, no side can claim victory.”

Commissioner Lafey urged leaders in Mogadishu to prioritize dialogue over division and warned that continued interference in Gedo’s affairs would only empower extremist groups and further destabilize the region.

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The camp was jointly manned by Jubbaland forces and the Somali National Army (SNA).

A brief but intense firefight ensued, resulting in casualties on both sides.

However, due to the early timing of the assault, official figures on the number of dead or injured have yet to be released.

The situation in Elwaq has since stabilized, and reports indicate that the attackers have retreated from the area.

This incident comes shortly after Al-Shabaab seized control of the Aden Yabal district in the Middle Shabelle region, following the withdrawal of government and local forces.

The group’s capture of Aden Yabal has heightened security concerns across the region, with fears that the militants may escalate their operations further.

In response to the growing threat, the Somali government and its security partners are expected to intensify military operations to retake lost territories and curb Al-Shabaab’s influence.

READ MORE: Al-Shabaab Captures Key Town of Aadan Yabaal

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Unspecified numbers of troops were flown to the town of Baardheere on Tuesday.

The planes carrying these troops departed from Mogadishu’s airport.

The Federal Government has yet to comment on the reason for sending these troops to Gedo.

However, tensions between the Jubaland administration, led by Ahmed Mohamed Islan (Ahmed Madobe), and the Federal Government have been escalating.

Last week, a statement issued after the National Consultative Forum meeting indicated that the Federal Government is working to establish a “legitimate” administration in Jubaland, signaling that President Hassan Sheikh is seeking to create a new government structure different from Ahmed Madobe’s.

The deployment of these troops to Gedo comes shortly after the Federal Government lifted restrictions on the movement of aircraft to and from Doolow, a town in Gedo where a Jubaland-aligned administration operates.

For more than four months, air traffic between Doolow and Mogadishu had been restricted, with flights to Kismayo and Dhoobley forced to first pass through Mogadishu.

Elders Arrested in Garbaharey

Meanwhile, the tensions in Jubaland have now spread to other towns in Gedo.

Clan elders in Gedo reported that on Tuesday, they were arrested in Garbaharey, the regional capital of Gedo, after opposing the deployment of armed soldiers from Mogadishu into the region.

Sultan Ali Hashi stated that a group of elders was arrested from their homes early on Tuesday morning, with some of them being physically assaulted by police.

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The Daao River is Somalia’s third-largest river, following the Jubba and Shabelle Rivers. It flows through Beled Haawo, Dolow, and Luuq Districts in Gedo Region.

According to local sources, the river has started to dry up earlier than usual, causing growing concern. Residents, particularly those living near the riverbanks, expressed anxiety over the impact on their farms and livestock, which have traditionally relied on the river for water. In response, people have begun digging temporary water pools to provide minimal water for their livestock.

The situation worsened in February, when the river’s water levels receded significantly. Local residents fear that, if there is no rainfall in the upcoming seasons, the situation could worsen, leading to the loss of livestock and further hardship for the community. The ongoing drought in the region has already put a strain on resources, and the added crisis of a drying river is intensifying the challenges faced by these communities.

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Statistics show that girls often face systemic disadvantages in education. According to data from 2022, only 28% of students enrolled in Somali schools were girls, leaving the majority, 72%, as boys.

Furthermore, literacy rates for adult women stood at less than 22%, compared to 54% for men.

Despite these challenges, the Gedo, a region marred by conflict, has recently shown progress in increasing girls’ enrollment in schools.

Girls now make up more than 40% of students in educational institutions in the region, a notable improvement.

In Balad Hawo district alone, over 12,000 students were enrolled in schools during the last academic year.

Of these, more than 5,500 were girls, accounting for 45% of the total enrollment, according to the Ministry of Education’s records.

Local Communities Push for Change

Some communities in Gedo are beginning to recognize the importance of educating girls. In Balad Amiin, a pastoral village about seven kilometers from the Kenyan border, a local primary and secondary school has seen a significant increase in female enrollment.

“Girls enrollment this year reached 367 out of 722 students,” said Ibrahim Kalil Ibrahim, deputy principal of the school. “This shows significant progress in girls’ education as the community has increasingly recognized its importance.”

Similar trends are evident in Balad Hawo Secondary School, the first government-run high school in the area.

The Balad Amiin school principal, Abdulna’em, noted a rise in the number of girls attending higher grades.

“In the past, girls were mostly in primary school classes, but now there’s a notable change,” he said.

However, he highlighted that financial barriers remain a challenge.

“When it comes to tuition fees, parents often prioritize boys, leaving many girls out of school even after they’ve started their education,” he added.

While progress is being made, educators report that cultural and economic challenges continue to hinder girls’ education in Somalia.

“Numerous challenges still hinder girls’ education, starting from the schools themselves,” said Abdiaziz Mubarak, head of research at Gedo University.

“In rural areas, when girls finish primary school, they cannot access secondary schools in towns because parents prioritize boys. Economic difficulties, cultural pressures, forced marriages, and traditional beliefs are also barriers,” Abdiaziz remarked.

Abdiaziz emphasized the importance of changing these perceptions.

“Some believe a girl who can read and write doesn’t need further education because her role is to marry and become a housewife. This mindset must change,” he added.

Advocates argue that ensuring equal access to education is essential for Somalia’s development.

They believe that educating girls is critical to rebuilding the nation after decades of conflict and instability.

“An educated mother is the cornerstone of an educated nation,” Abdiaziz said, underlining the importance of addressing these challenges to achieve societal progress.

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