Authorities in the Southwest State of Somalia have released a new directive, which immediately bans planes without official permission from using its airspace or landing in airports under the control of the authority. The Ministry of Transport and Civil Aviation issued the directive, stating that it will remain in effect until further notice. The ministry emphasized that both domestic and international airlines must obtain consent from the Civil Aviation Authority. The objective of this measure is to strengthen security in the airspace, coordinate various agencies, and effectively manage planes. The ministry also issued a stern warning to those who do not comply with the new order, stating that legal action will be taken against them. This directive was put in place after a passenger plane attempted to land at Wajid district airport in the Bakool region on Monday, but was met with gunfire from security forces and forced to return. The Deputy Commissioner of Wajid district confirmed that flights without official permission from Southwest State will not be allowed. The Information Minister of Southwest State also issued a warning to the Somali Federal Government, urging them to stop violating the airspace without authorization from the authority. He stated that any planes, including the helicopters donated by Italy to Somalia, will be targeted. The minister called on the international community to closely monitor the situation and accused the Somali Federal Government of using military equipment against civilians in the region, which only adds to the political tensions.
