MOGADISHU — Somalia’s federal government has initiated new military movements in the Gedo region, targeting forces aligned with the semi-autonomous Jubaland administration led by President Ahmed Mohamed Islam, widely known as Ahmed Madobe, officials said on Tuesday.
Colonel Aadan Mohamed Siyad, also known as Dhafoorey, the police commander in Gedo, announced the operation following his arrival in the border town of Beled-Hawo from Mogadishu. He confirmed that federal forces have been placed on high alert and ordered to prepare for imminent operations against Jubaland-aligned units.
“We are entering a phase of full military readiness. All personnel on leave are to return immediately, and preparations for the operation must be completed without delay,” Dhafoorey told hundreds of troops gathered in a public address.
He also issued a stern warning to neighboring countries, cautioning that any cross-border attacks would be met with a direct response. “If we are attacked from across the border, we will not treat it as a matter of neighborly relations. We have clear orders to respond accordingly,” he said.
The developments mark a significant escalation in tensions between the federal government and the Jubaland administration, particularly in the contested Gedo region, where both sides have vied for control in recent years.
The latest military build-up comes shortly after federal forces asserted control over territories in the South West state, removing local authorities previously led by Abdiaziz Laftagareen, in a move seen as part of a broader effort by Mogadishu to consolidate authority across regional states.
There has been no immediate response from Jubaland officials.
