By Horn Africa News
Beled-Hawo, Gedo Region — Intense clashes broke out this morning in the town of Balad Hawo, located in Somalia’s Gedo region, shortly after the arrival of Abdirashid Hassan Abdinur (commonly known as (Abdirashid Janan), who was recently appointed head of the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) for the Gedo region.
Local sources report that the fighting is between federal government forces and troops loyal to the Jubbaland administration. The two sides have been locked in a bitter power struggle in recent years, particularly over control and governance of the Gedo region.
Eyewitnesses in Balad Hawo say heavy gunfire and artillery have rocked the town, sparking panic among residents. Fighting is reportedly concentrated around key military and administrative facilities in the area.
Cabdirashiid Janan, a former Jubbaland security minister and long-time rival of the Jubbaland leadership, has recently aligned himself with the federal government. His unexpected arrival in Balad Hawo appears to have triggered the escalation, exacerbating existing tensions between Mogadishu and the regional state.
As of now, there are no confirmed reports of casualties, though unverified accounts suggest there may be both civilian and military injuries.
The situation remains fluid, with residents sheltering indoors amid fears of further escalation. This latest violence underscores the fragile relationship between Somalia’s federal government and semi-autonomous regional states, a dynamic that continues to threaten the country’s long-term stability.
