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A senior Jubbaland police commander has been killed in heavy fighting between Somali federal government troops and Jubbaland regional forces in Tuulo Amiin, a border village near Beled Hawo in Somalia’s Gedo region.
Security sources confirmed that Colonel Hussein Giif, who served as Jubbaland’s police commander in Gedo, died during the clashes on Monday. His death marks a serious escalation in the ongoing tensions between the federal government and the semi-autonomous Jubbaland administration.
According to multiple local and security sources, the fighting erupted when federal forces launched an offensive in the area. The clashes were intense, with sustained gunfire reported by residents throughout the day. The conflict left other Jubbaland soldiers dead or wounded, though the exact number of casualties has not yet been made public.
Witnesses and officials said federal forces seized several weapons and military vehicles from Jubbaland troops during the operation. They also captured a number of regional soldiers, who were later paraded in custody. This move is likely to deepen tensions between the two sides.
Jubbaland’s Minister of Internal Security confirmed Colonel Giif’s death and strongly condemned the actions of the federal forces. He described the killing as a “heinous act” and expressed condolences to the commander’s family and the people of Jubbaland. He also called for those responsible to be held accountable.
“This is an attack not just on a respected officer but on the peace and stability of our region,” the minister said. “We urge the federal authorities to stop targeting Jubbaland forces and instead work with us to resolve disputes through dialogue.”
The Somali federal government has not issued any statement on the incident. Officials in Mogadishu have remained silent about the reasons for the operation in Tuulo Amiin and the reported capture of Jubbaland soldiers.
The latest confrontation is part of a long-running dispute over control of the Gedo region, which borders Kenya and is considered strategically important. Federal and Jubbaland forces have repeatedly clashed in the area over the past few years, each side accusing the other of undermining peace and security.
Gedo has become a flashpoint in the political and military rivalry between Somalia’s federal government and Jubbaland. The region’s location on the Kenya-Somalia border makes it a key transit point for trade, cross-border movement, and security operations. Both sides want to control it, which has led to repeated outbreaks of violence despite calls for dialogue from local elders and international partners.
The death of Colonel Giif is expected to inflame tensions further. The commander was considered one of the most senior and influential security figures in Jubbaland, known for his role in coordinating police operations and maintaining order in Gedo. His loss is likely to weaken Jubbaland’s security presence in the area, at least in the short term.
Local residents expressed fear that more fighting could erupt in the coming days, as both sides may seek to reinforce their positions. Shops in Tuulo Amiin and nearby villages were reported closed on Monday, with civilians avoiding public areas due to the risk of renewed clashes.
International observers have previously warned that the ongoing standoff between Mogadishu and Kismayo, the capital of Jubbaland, could destabilize not only Gedo but also broader efforts to improve security in Somalia. The African Union, the United Nations, and regional mediators have repeatedly urged both sides to resolve their disputes peacefully.
For now, the situation in Tuulo Amiin remains tense, with residents waiting to see whether the fighting will subside or escalate. Further updates from both the Somali federal government and Jubbaland authorities are expected as the aftermath of the deadly clash unfolds.