Somalia bans flights to Jubaland as tensions escalate
As a result of the flight restrictions, hundreds of passengers are now stranded at airports in Mogadishu and Kismayo.
The Somali government has instituted a ban on all flights to and from the Jubaland region, effectively establishing an aerial blockade that escalates the ongoing conflict between the federal government and Jubaland authorities.
This measure marks a significant intensification of the month-long tensions between the two sides. As a result of the flight restrictions, hundreds of passengers are now stranded at airports in Mogadishu and Kismayo.
Keep reading
This week, clashes erupted between the Somali National Army (SNA) and Jubaland forces in the border towns of Dolow in the Gedo region and Kulbiyow in Lower Juba, near the Kenyan border. In both locations, the SNA was forced to retreat, with reports indicating that some soldiers fled into Kenya.
On December 11, SNA and Jubaland forces engaged in a fierce battle in Ras Kamboni at the southern tip of Jubaland.
The federal government unilaterally dispatched approximately 1,500 troops to the coastal town without consulting Kismayo, which perceived their presence as a direct threat.
The SNA defences crumbled, resulting in the capture of around 300 soldiers by Jubaland forces, while another 1,000 fled to Kenya, where they surrendered to the KDF.
This military escalation follows the re-election of Ahmed Mohamed Islam as President of the semi-autonomous Jubaland region, a move that was rejected by President Hassan Sheikh Mahamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre.
There are increasing indications that Hassan is resolved to use military force to oust Ahmed Madobe, a task many Somali analysts deem as a tall order.
The SNA has faced significant setbacks in its ongoing battle against Al-Shabaab militants, who have recently regained lost territories and are showing signs of resurgence.
Reader comments
Follow Us and Stay Connected!
We'd love for you to join our community and stay updated with our latest stories and updates. Follow us on our social media channels and be part of the conversation!
Let's stay connected and keep the dialogue going!
Latest News For You
![[Photos] Somalia’s first bowling club opens in Mogadishu](https://publish.eastleighvoice.co.ke/mugera_lock/uploads/2024/10/bowling-2.jpg)
