A military confrontation between forces of the federal government of Somalia and soldiers of the semi-autonomous southern Jubaland region erupted on Wednesday, leading to fatalities on both sides, APA can report.
Tensions have been rising between the central authority and Jubaland, most recently with the region’s re-election of a former warlord Ahmed Madobe, labelled “unlawful” by Mogadishu.
Both sides claimed victory in the clash, which broke out early Wednesday near the southern peninsula of Ras Kamboni, some 290 kilometres (180 miles) from Kismayo city.
Somalia has five semi-autonomous member states — Puntland, Jubaland, Galmudug, Hirshabelle and South West led by a central government based in the capital Mogadishu.
“Members from the Jubaland forces, who are being disoriented by Ahmed Madobe, attacked the military base of the Somali national army and Jubaland forces in the Lower Juba region,” the the defense ministry said in a statement.
However, the Jubaland administration refuted this, claiming the Somali army “launched an assault on the military base of the Jubaland forces”.
The Jubaland administration further accused the Somali government of launching drone attacks on its forces near Raskambone leading to clashes.
Both sides have now confirmed that fighting did take place with both of them accusing the other of starting the violence.
Both sides have been strengthening their militaries in recent weeks, sources say.
“They have started their assault with drone strike and the fighting has intensified,” local deputy security minister Adan Ahmed told reporters in Kismayo.
He also claimed a number of soldiers had surrendered, although this could not be independently verified.
Communications in the area remain difficult and information is scarce.
MG/as/APA