Jubaland soldiers who surrendered in Baled-Hawo locked in Dolow

MOGADISHU, Somalia - Over 100 Jubaland forces who surrendered in Baled-Hawo have been allegedly taken to the neighboring Dolow district within Gedo where they are being locked, multiple sources have confirmed to Garowe Online, just a day after intense fighting in the border town.

The Jubaland troops were wrestling Baled-Hawo from the Somali National Army [SNA] but their efforts were seemingly overpowered after the government forces unleashed on them, leading to unprecedented clashes that lasted for several hours in the region.

Sources said the captives will now be transferred to Mogadishu where they are likely to be subjected to the military trial, which might take months or even years before their cases are concluded. Somalia usually has a functional military court that has prosecuted many cases.

Reports indicate that once in Dolow, the regional forces were disarmed and are set to be airlifted to Mogadishu. The Federal Government of Somalia claimed victory later on Monday evening after hours of fighting despite earlier reports that Jubaland forces had taken over the town.

A statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs seemed to blame Kenya for the stalemate, adding that Nairobi was responsible for "arming local militia" within the border town. The Horn of Africa nation insisted that it will defend her internal democracy and sovereignty.

But Kenya has since dismissed the matter, arguing that it's an "internal affairs" of Somalia despite reports that Jubaland forces had a backup of KDF. The African Union has called for a truce between the two countries whose relationship has been hot and cold.

At least 11 innocent civilians, among them 8 children were reported dead during the skirmishes which lasted for several hours. Also, over 20 people were badly injured during the encounter and have since been airlifted to Mogadishu where they are undergoing treatment.

Gedo region has been a borne of contention between the Jubaland administration and the federal government. For instance, President Ahmed Madobe has been accusing Farmajo of violating the basic principles of federalism.

GAROWE ONLINE