MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia’s government has launched a strategic troop mobilization in the Gedo region, aiming to initiate a new military front against the Jubaland administration following the recent debacle in Raskamboni, Caasimada Online news website reported on Tuesday.
The move comes just days after Jubaland forces decisively defeated hundreds of federal troops in Raskamboni town in the Lower Juba region, capturing dozens of prisoners and forcing the surrender of many others to Kenyan border guards after intense, day-long combat.
After the Raskamboni front aimed at toppling Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe, who is at odds with the federal government following his re-election last month, which Mogadishu declared unconstitutional, faltered and collapsed, Somali authorities on Tuesday deployed planes carrying weapons to the town of Bardere in Gedo region.
The objective is to establish a new front against the Jubaland leader to dismantle his control over the Gedo region, with military mobilizations and maneuvers concurrently unfolding across multiple towns in the area.
The Somali government is preparing to deploy fresh troops and weapons to the region in the coming days, seeking to retaliate against Jubaland for the debacle in Raskamboni that not only drew severe criticism for Mogadishu, but also exposed its growing weakness and triggered political turmoil within its top echelons.
Wary of the new military maneuvers, Jubaland condemned the federal government, accusing it of persistently undermining security in the Gedo region.
“Hassan Sheikh [Somali President] and his group are once again seeking to sow security chaos in the districts of Gedo region, a move that could lead to a breakdown in order as security officials , intended to maintain stability, are being manipulated for political ends,” Jubaland authorities said in a statement.
“Troops tasked with safeguarding the lives, resources, and security of the Somali people are being exploited by the defendant, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, and his team to dismantle a governmental system, in a clear violation of constitutional mandates.”
