The Somali Federal Gov’t commenced troop mobilization in Gedo province particularly in Balad Hawo district in which the Somali National Army officers staged a military parade in the town. The Somali troops were fully armed with light and heavy weapons and showcased its might in Balad Hawo town.
There was a political tension between Jubaland regional administration and the Somali Federal Gov’t. These troops in which the Somali Federal Gov’t dispatched to the district is intended to maintain the overall security in Gedo region while the focus is on Balad Hawo district.
There are troops that are loyal to Jubalanad regional president, Ahmed Mohamed Islam alias Ahmed Madobe. According to Somali military officers, these troops were ordered to get ready in order to take control of districts that Jubaland administration are currently in control of. The political dispute between the Somali Federal Gov’t and Jubaland administration is still going on. The Somali Federal Gov’t said that these military soldiers are specially trained in the fight against terrorism particularly Al-shabab that control many settlements in Gedo region.
The Somali Federal Gov’t disclosed that a large scale operation against the militant group of Al-shabab will commence in the Gedo region. The troops showcased in Balad Hawo is led by the Commander of the 10th Battalion and the 43rd Division of the Somali National Army (SNA), Colonel Osman Sheikh Abdi Qorah.
The Commander delivered an encouraging speech to the military soldiers and ordered to protect the residents and maintain the security of the district. He also informed that they must remain ready for planned battles against Al-shabab remnants. Colonel Qorah commended the alertness and the bravery of the military soldiers.
He stated that defending the populace is a national duty, and pledged that the leadership of the military will standby the units. He also revealed that they will work the progress of the district and the operations to be successful.
On the other hand, Jubaland administration has not issued a statement regarding the military parade that the troops staged in Balad Hawo while there is a presence of Jubaland troops in the town and are in control of parts of the district.
There is a growing fear that armed clashes will break out between the troops as they are stationed in the vicinity of the town while these troops are willing to take control of the security responsibility of the district. Reports from the Somali Federal Gov’t indicate that the gov’t is planning to take military action against Jubaland troops that are that are stationed in Balad Hawo.
If that happens, it will undermine the ongoing efforts which are aimed to return Jubaland regional president Ahmed Madobe who was away from the centers where Gedo region is administered. The new tension will be problematic to the stability of the region while it is remembered the armed clashes that erupted between Jubaland troops and the Somali Federal Gov’t that transpired in Gedo region which resulted casualties including deaths and injuries. Reports say that tension in Balad Hawo is running high while the residents are anxious that new armed clashes are likely to break out between the two sides.
