Kismayo (WDN) — Somalia’s Federal Government is reportedly preparing to launch another major military operation against Jubaland, raising fears of a renewed confrontation between Mogadishu and the regional administration only two after previous fighting – Raskamboodi – threatened to destabilize southern Somalia.

According to sources cited in the reports, the Federal Government is preparing to deploy as many as 4,000 troops toward strategic areas of Jubaland, with Baardheere Airport in Gedo Region reportedly identified as the main entry point for the forces.

The reported deployment has triggered alarm because the troops are allegedly being assembled from locations including Xananbuure and Mogadishu before being transported to Baardheere.

The operation is reportedly being facilitated by General Abdullahi Fartaag, who is said to have contacted senior officials in Baardheere, including the airport manager, the district commissioner and the local military commander.

According to the reports, the officials have agreed to facilitate the arrival of the troops at Baardheere Airport. If confirmed, the scale of the reported deployment would represent a significant military escalation and could mark the beginning of what critics fear could become another major confrontation between federal forces and Jubaland.

Saakow and Bu’aale Reportedly Among Targets

The troops are reportedly being positioned for operations in Middle Juba, particularly around Saakow and Bu’aale.

Sources claim the deployment is connected to a broader plan allegedly backed by Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to establish federal control over Bu’aale and other strategic areas of Middle Juba.

The reports further allege that some of the forces have been recruited from Somali Region of Ethiopia, although these claims could not be independently verified. Perhaps the most politically sensitive allegation concerns the reported composition of the troops.

Sources claim that the force contains few or no soldiers with local knowledge of Middle Juba and that residents from the Jubba regions have largely been excluded from the recruitment process.

The reports allege that the force is overwhelmingly composed of members of the Ogaden clan, while members of several other communities—including Rahanweyn, Jareerweyne, Marehan, Sheekhaal, Gaaljecel and Hawadle—are allegedly absent.

These claims have not been independently verified and should be treated with caution. If accurate, however, the reported composition could raise serious concerns about the political and communal implications of deploying a predominantly single-clan force into a region with a complex social and clan structure.

Another Jubaland Confrontation?

The reported preparations have revived memories of previous military confrontations between the Federal Government and Jubaland.

Any new offensive would carry significant risks for Somalia, particularly in a region already affected by insecurity, political rivalry and the persistent presence of Al-Shabaab.

Rather than strengthening national cohesion, another federal-regional military confrontation could deepen divisions between Mogadishu and Jubaland and potentially create new opportunities for militant groups to exploit political fragmentation.

For now, there has been no official confirmation from the Federal Government or Jubaland administration regarding the reported deployment of 4,000 troops, their alleged destinations or the composition of the force.

If the reports prove accurate, however, Somalia could be heading toward another dangerous confrontation in the Jubba regions—with potentially serious consequences for both national politics and regional security.

WardheerNews