Mogadishu, Somalia – The Federal Government of Somalia has officially responded to Tuesday’s violent clashes in the border town of Beled-Hawo, accusing Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam “Madobe” of orchestrating the attack through his loyal regional militias.
In a strongly worded statement released by the Ministry of Internal Security, the federal authorities described the incident as “a deliberate assault on public offices and national army camps carried out by forces loyal to Jubbaland’s leadership.”
The confrontation, which reportedly left at least four people dead and several others wounded, erupted in the early hours of Tuesday morning when regional fighters allegedly attacked federal army positions in the contested Gedo region town. Jubbaland security officials have since claimed victory, stating they took control of key installations.
“This is not just an armed skirmish—it is a premeditated act of aggression aimed at undermining national authority and destabilizing the region,” the ministry stated, warning that “all those involved will face legal consequences.”
The federal government has vowed to pursue justice and restore order, emphasizing that any attempts to use force to alter the political and administrative status of federal territories will not be tolerated.
Tensions between Mogadishu and the Jubbaland administration have been particularly high in the Gedo region, which has witnessed repeated military stand-offs in recent years. Beled-Hawo, located near the Kenyan border, remains a flashpoint in the ongoing power struggle between the federal government and regional forces loyal to President Madobe.
The Ministry of Internal Security concluded by calling on international partners to support Somalia’s sovereignty and reject what it termed “illegal militia campaigns backed by external actors.”
There has been no immediate response from the Jubbaland presidency regarding the federal government’s allegations. However, security sources in the region have confirmed heightened military activity, with civilians reportedly fleeing the area amid fears of renewed fighting.