Jubbaland Issues Strong Statement Condemning Armed Attacks in Gedo Region

Kismayo, July 28, 2025 —The Ministry of Interior of Jubbaland State has issued a firm press statement condemning what it described as coordinated armed offensives carried out by forces loyal to President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud against civilians and government positions in the towns of Baladxaawo and Doolow, located in the Gedo region.

According to the statement, the town of Baladxaawo has endured nearly a week of repeated attacks launched from a military camp located near the UK base on the outskirts of the town. Jubbaland authorities allege that these operations are led by a figure unaffiliated with the Somali National Army (SNA), who was reportedly transported to the base aboard a military aircraft facilitated by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud—despite existing restrictions on civilian flights in the region.

The Ministry stated that the most recent attack took place early yesterday, with government forces aligned with the Federal Government of Somalia directly engaging Jubbaland’s regional forces in Baladxaawo. The offensive reportedly resulted in mass displacement, significant property destruction, and widespread panic due to indiscriminate shelling within civilian areas. The statement also accused the attacking forces of looting abandoned homes, further exacerbating the suffering of local residents.

In a separate incident, Jubbaland reported that security forces under the command of the federal intelligence agency launched another assault on Jubbaland’s military bases in Doolow during the last night. The regional administration characterized the attack as part of a broader effort to destabilize Jubbaland and ignite prolonged conflict under the guise of military operations.

Jubbaland Claims of Federal Forces attacking civilians

"The actions of the accused, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, directly undermine the national war against Al-Shabaab and threaten the unified front required to combat terrorism," the statement said. It also expressed dismay over the recent fall of Maxaas to Al-Shabaab militants, attributing the loss to political interference and misuse of military power instead of focusing on shared national security priorities.

It called on all stakeholders to reject what it described as illegal militarization and to refocus efforts on the true threat posed by Al-Shabaab extremists.