Jubaland forces surround Janan-linked camp in Gedo amid deepening federal tensions

BALAD-HAWO, Somalia (GO) — Tensions are rising on the outskirts of Balad-Hawo town in Somalia’s Gedo region after Jubaland regional forces reportedly surrounded a federal-aligned military encampment linked to a former Jubaland minister, now appointed by Mogadishu as the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) representative for Gedo.

Local sources confirmed to Garowe Online that between 85 to 100 troops loyal to the Federal Government of Somalia are currently stationed in the camp. Jubaland officials say these troops are under the command of Abdirashid Janan, a controversial figure who previously served as Jubaland’s security minister before defecting to the federal side.

“A final warning has been issued,” a senior Jubaland official told Garowe Online under condition of anonymity. “They must surrender peacefully or face military action.”

Jubaland forces began mobilizing toward Balad-Hawo on Tuesday night and have since encircled the area, tightening their grip. As of Wednesday morning, no direct clashes had been reported, but the atmosphere remains tense and highly volatile.

Meanwhile, reliable sources in Mogadishu report that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held a late-night meeting with General Odowaa Yusuf Raage, Chief of Somalia’s Armed Forces. The meeting, insiders say, focused on how to resolve the Gedo standoff — a crisis increasingly resembling the Ras Kambooni confrontation — and the broader challenge posed by Jubaland’s military assertiveness.

This confrontation comes months after the Federal Government’s failed military attempt to regain control of Jubaland’s capital, Kismayo. Federal troops flown into the Raas Kambooni area were swiftly repelled by Jubaland’s forces in a battle that ended in defeat. Many of those federal soldiers later sought political asylum in neighboring Kenya.

Adding to the current tensions, unconfirmed reports indicate that a military aircraft carrying troops from Mogadishu was unable to land in Garbaharey earlier today after Jubaland forces stationed near the airstrip allegedly threatened to shoot it down.

Gedo region, officially part of the Jubaland state since 2013, has remained a persistent flashpoint in Somalia’s federal politics. Villa Somalia’s attempts to exert control over the region have resulted in years of parallel administrations, with some districts under Jubaland’s governance while others are patrolled by federal-aligned forces — often drawn from the same local clans.

The unfolding events in Balad-Hawo represent the latest escalation in the long-running dispute between Jubaland and the Federal Government. Without immediate diplomatic de-escalation, local officials and observers fear open conflict could erupt.

Garowe Online will continue to monitor developments in Gedo as the situation unfolds.