The initial clashes, which saw over a thousand Somalia federal soldiers surrender to Kenyan forces, dozens killed or injured, and some still missing, have now expanded to other parts of Gedo and Lower Jubba regions.

The conflict threatens to destabilize these areas further, which are already significantly influenced by Al-Shabaab insurgents. Given the proximity of these regions to Kenya and Ethiopia, the ongoing hostilities pose a heightened risk of regional spillover.

The current tensions began when the Somali federal government, based in Mogadishu, deployed nearly 2,000 Turkish-trained troops alongside presidential guard units and intelligence forces to the coastal town of Raas Kaambooni, just 10 kilometers (6 miles) from the Kenyan border.

The controversial deployment aimed to advance towards Kismayo, the interim capital of Jubbaland, with the objective of apprehending Jubbaland’s leader, Ahmed Mohamed Islam, popularly known as “Madobe.” of the Ogaden/Daarood clan.

This move followed an arrest warrant issued by a Mogadishu-based judge from President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s Abgaal/Hawiye clan. In response, a Kismayo judge issued a reciprocal arrest warrant for President Mohamud, escalating tensions further.

Decisive Clashes in Raas Kaambooni

The situation culminated in a major confrontation on December 11, when Jubbaland’s elite units, known as Abris and Birjeh, launched a surprise attack from the beachside on federal forces positions in Raas Kaambooni.

The four-hour battle ended in a humiliating defeat for the federal troops. Over 600 soldiers were captured alive, while others fled to Kenya, where they were seen surrendering barefoot and disarmed to the Kenyan Defense Forces.

Jubbaland’s Minister of Information, Abdifatah Mohamed Mukhtar, confirmed the release of captured soldiers, stating, “Jubbaland facilitated their departure smoothly, providing care and respect, despite the soldiers initially acting on misguided orders from their commanders.”

Kenyan sources reported that over 1,100 Somali troops surrendered, and Mogadishu requested their return via air transport.

The Somali federal government has remained tight-lipped about the debacle, while Jubbaland capitalized on the victory to bolster its position.

Conflict Spreads to Gedo and Lower Jubba

The conflict has since expanded beyond Raas Kaambooni.

In Gedo, Somali federal authorities dispatched a delegation led by Internal Security Minister General Abdullahi Ismail Fartaag, who hails from the Marehan clan.

Arriving in Garbaharey, Gedo’s provincial capital, Fartaag held meetings with clan elders and mobilized local forces.

Meanwhile, Jubbaland replaced Gedo’s governor, Abdullahi Abdi Jama, with Sheikh Mohamed Al-Qaadi, a former Ahlu Sunna militia commander.

Both sides have continued deploying troops and weapons. Jubbaland forces reportedly received support from Ethiopian troops stationed in the region, while Mogadishu reinforced its positions.

On December 23, clashes erupted in Dolow, a strategic border town hosting numerous humanitarian organizations and thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs).

The fighting, which began when federal forces attempted to arrest Jubbaland officials, left at least four people dead.

Jubbaland forces regained control of the town by midday. The violence forced businesses to shut down and residents to flee, with some crossing into Ethiopia for safety.

Adding to the turmoil, Jubbaland officials accused Somali federal forces of kidnapping a local humanitarian worker in Dolow.

The federal government has not commented on the allegation.

In Lower Jubba, fighting erupted in Kulbiyow, near the Kenyan border, as federal forces, backed by a former Jubbaland district commissioner Muhumed Fanah from the Ogaden/Daarood who defected, clashed with Jubbaland troops.

The skirmish resulted in five deaths and temporarily forced Jubbaland forces to withdraw from the town.

Jubbaland’s Minister of Security, General Yusuf Hussein Dhumal, vowed to retake Kulbiyow, urging the public to “wait and see what happens.”

Al-Shabaab Exploits the Chaos

Amid the conflict, Al-Shabaab has sought to capitalize on the instability.

On December 23, a landmine detonated on a road between Beledhawo and Dolow, targeting a Somali government military vehicle.

The explosion killed several officers and destroyed the vehicle, highlighting the group’s continued threat in the region.

The ongoing hostilities between Jubbaland and federal forces have severe implications for civilians and regional stability.

In Dolow, humanitarian operations are under strain, and further clashes risk triggering a refugee crisis as residents flee to neighboring Kenya and Ethiopia and the prospect of a resolution remains uncertain, with both sides entrenched in their positions.

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Speaking to Kaab TV, locals expressed their dissatisfaction with the federal government forces, blaming them for the catastrophic loss in Raaskaambooni.

This followed weeks of military and police deployment aimed at undermining Jubbaland’s leadership.

Abdiqadir Mohamed Abdi, a youth leader in Kismayo, described the incident as a failure.

“The responsibility lies squarely on President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. There must be accountability for those killed and injured,” he said.

Falhado Abdullahi Mohamed, another resident, criticized the federal government’s decision to deploy forces.

“The incident was the result of a misguided strategy. The federal government must own up to its mistake. Forces from Mogadishu were sent into an unfamiliar region, leading to this disaster,” she noted.

Falhado called for unity between Somali leaders to focus on combating Al-Shabaab rather than internal conflicts.

“Both Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud should acknowledge their misstep and prioritize national security.”

Locals commended Jubbaland’s leadership for maintaining stability during the turmoil. They highlighted how the region’s residents stood firm with Jubbaland’s administration to protect the area from external threats, including Al-Shabaab, which has historically targeted the region.

Ibrahim Hefow, another young man in Kismayo, termed the Raaskaambooni conflict a “national disaster.”

“The deployment of forces from Mogadishu to topple President Ahmed Madobe’s leadership was illegitimate and unfortunate,” he remarked.

The clash on Wednesday, December 11, resulted in a humiliating defeat for federal government forces. Jubbaland captured over 300 soldiers, while more than 1,100 fled across the border into Kenya, surrendering to Kenyan Defense Forces.

Unofficial reports estimate that dozens of soldiers were killed during the four-hour battle.

Military sources revealed that some troops, primarily those from Villa Somalia’s presidential guard, are still unaccounted for.

There are concerns that some may have surrendered to Al-Shabaab after becoming lost in Raaskaambooni’s dense jungles, much of which is under militant control.

As tensions persist, the Somali federal government and Jubbaland leadership remain at odds over the Raaskaambooni incident, with no resolution in sight.

The post Kismayo Residents Rally Behind Jubbaland Leadership After Raaskaambooni Conflict appeared first on Kaab TV.