The Jubbaland administration has just announced that its regional forces have taken full control of Balad-Hawo town, including the district administration headquarters and overall security of the area. This development follows a fierce battle earlier today between Jubbaland troops and the Somali Federal Government forces.
The fighting broke out inside Balad-Hawo after two military aircraft landed in the town this morning, reportedly carrying senior military officers and other officials led by Abdirashid Janan—a former Jubbaland Minister of Security. According to reports, Janan has recently been appointed as the head of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) in the Gedo region and is now in charge of overall regional security.
A statement released through Jubbaland’s official media confirmed that their forces had seized control of the district headquarters and secured the entire town of Balad-Hawo.
“The entire town of Balad-Hawo is now under the control of Jubbaland forces. Several militia members who had destabilized the town’s security have been captured, and troops are in pursuit of those who fled—including Abdirashid Janan, who arrived in the town this morning aboard a military aircraft,” the statement read.
However, the statement did not disclose the casualty figures from the intense fighting, which involved the use of heavy and light weaponry on both sides.
Preliminary reports indicate that at least five soldiers from both sides were killed in the clashes, while several others—including civilians—were injured.
Although the situation in Balad-Hawo is currently calm with no gunfire reported, residents remain fearful of renewed violence between Jubbaland forces and Federal Government troops.
