Senior Jubaland Police Commander Killed in Clashes With Federal Forces Near Kenya Border

BELED-HAWO, Somalia - A senior Jubaland regional police commander was killed on Monday following fresh conflict within the vicinity of Balad-Hawo, after the federal troops engaged with Jubaland forces in yet another battle within the Tuulo Amiin area.

Colonel Hussein Giif, Jubaland’s police commander in Gedo region, was killed, according to multiple sources within the security sector and local leaders who witnessed the battles in the village, which stems from the ongoing military operations within Jubaland.

Jubaland's Internal Minister condemned what he called a “heinous act” by government forces and expressed condolences to the people of Jubbaland and the commander’s family. He urged that those responsible be brought to justice.

Reports from the scene indicate other Jubbaland soldiers were killed or wounded. Federal forces are said to have seized weapons, military vehicles, and captured soldiers from the regional troops, later displaying the prisoners.

The deadly confrontation comes amid escalating tensions in Gedo, where government and Jubbaland forces have repeatedly clashed over control of key border areas with Kenya. The federal troops are operating under Abdirashid Janan, a convicted war monger.

Jubaland state Vice President Mohamud Sayid Aden condemned the assault while insisting that the federal government is attempting to destabilize peace and security operations within the country.

"Somali Government forces launched an attack on Jubaland troops near Beled-Hawo city; there have been deaths and injuries. Is it acceptable for anyone to seize land by force? Jubaland has no role in the fighting — it is the authority in charge of the Gedo region."

Some reports indicate that government troops captured at least 10 Jubaland regional forces during the agree confrontations, which Mogadishu is now blaming on the regional administration of Jubaland, led by President Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe.

Two soldiers, 2nd Lt. Mohamed Hasan Guutaale and Private Ali Mohamed Gooni, were killed in the fighting, while three others were wounded and are receiving medical care, Somalia’s Ministry of Defence said without giving many details.

The government condemned Jubaland's actions and praised the professionalism and bravery of its troops. It urged the fighters to disarm and warned against “acts that undermine national security,” calling on Gedo residents to support the army’s efforts to keep the region safe.

But the Gedo conflict was triggered by the mobilisation of federal troops who are trying to retake the region as it tries to compel local administration to support constitutional changes being pushed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

This comes as the time the US Africa Command is expected to reassess the U.S. strategy in Somalia, including whether to prioritize engagement with the federal government or the Federal states. The US government will also review ongoing military efforts against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, the two main militant groups operating in Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE