Mogadishu (WDN) — Intense fighting broke out this afternoon in the border town of Beled-Xawa, Gedo region of Jubaland State of Somalia, following the arrival of Federal Government forces led by former Jubaland Security Minister Abdirashid Janan. The troops, deployed from Mogadishu, clashed with Jubaland’s Dervish forces in a violent confrontation that has escalated tensions between the Federal Government and the Jubaland Regional Administration.

The confrontation erupted shortly after a helicopter landed in the town, delivering Janan and a contingent of government troops who had been recently mobilized in the capital. The operation have been aimed at asserting federal authority in the region, but quickly turned into open conflict with Jubaland Dervish forces already stationed in Beled-Xawa.

In a strongly worded statement, Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Internal Security condemned the Jubaland leadership, accusing regional President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) of orchestrating the violence.

“The Ministry of Internal Security regrets and condemns the criminal act committed by Ahmed Mohamed Islam in the town of Beled-Xawa,” the statement read. “Militants launched a brutal attack on public service centers and Somali National Army (SNA) camps, endangering civilians and undermining national stability.”

The Federal Government further accused Jubaland of provoking the clashes at a time when civilians were engaged in their daily routines, calling it an “irresponsible act” that disregards the safety and welfare of the public.

In response, Jubaland officials declared that their forces had successfully repelled the offensive and had reestablished full control over the town.

“Beled-Xawa is now under the complete control of Jubaland forces,” read a Jubaland government statement. “Several militants who disrupted the town’s security have been captured, and our forces are pursuing others who fled — including Abdirashid Janan, who arrived this Tueday aftroon aboard a military aircraft sent from Mogadishu.”

As of now, there are no confirmed reports on casualties from either side, and it remains unclear whether civilians were among those affected in the crossfire. The situation on the ground remains tense, and residents are reportedly sheltering indoors amid fears of renewed clashes.

The fighting in Beled-Xawa underscores the fragile relationship between Somalia’s Federal Government and its member states, especially in contested regions like Gedo, where such confrontations risk deepening political fragmentation and undermining efforts at national reconciliation.

WardheerNews