(26 Nov 2024) MOGADISHU (Halqabsi News) — The Federal Government of Somalia has confirmed that 81 soldiers from the Jubbaland Darwish Army have surrendered to Somali Armed Forces in the strategic town of Raskamboni, Lower Jubba. This comes a day after the Somali army was deployed to the area as part of ongoing efforts to assume control from African Union forces and intensify operations against Al-Shabaab militants.
According to a government statement, the surrendered Jubbaland troops will now integrate with Somali Armed Forces in the region. Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Iraqi, commander of the 18th Battalion of the Gorgor Army, addressed the troops, urging them to embrace their national duty and actively participate in the campaign against the Khawarij, a term often used to describe Al-Shabaab insurgents.
“The Somali Armed Forces are not invading Jubbaland. Our mission is to restore security and bring the entire nation under government control,” Lieutenant Colonel Iraqi stated.
Jubbaland forces reportedly resisted initial orders from Kismayo to counter the Somali army’s advance, with officers citing an unwillingness to escalate conflict. Instead, they expressed readiness to collaborate with federal troops in implementing government directives.
In a related development, approximately 50 Jubbaland soldiers stranded at sea after being deployed by boat from Kismayo have reached out to Somali security officials, signalling their intent to surrender.
The developments pose a significant challenge for Jubbaland leader Ahmed Madobe, who recently secured a third term in office. With Somali Armed Forces establishing positions in key locations such as Garbaharey and Beled Hawo, backed by elite units like Haramcad, the pressure mounts on Madobe to navigate an increasingly volatile political and military landscape.
The government’s actions in Lower Jubba mark a pivotal shift in its efforts to consolidate national security and bring regional forces under central command.
Halqabsi News
