MOGADISHU (SD) – Federal government forces have fully taken control of areas under the Balad Hawo district in the Gedo region, following intense fighting that began last night and continued until this morning.

Government forces led by Commander Rashid Janan attacked Bula-Amin village, where Jubaland-aligned troops and officials were stationed. The battle caused heavy casualties, including the death of Gedo Regional Police Chief Hussein Ali Hashi (Hussein Giif), a well-known figure in the region who supported Jubaland.

The commander died at a hospital in Mandera town, where he was taken after sustaining critical injuries. Two soldiers were also killed and many others wounded, with government forces capturing several soldiers loyal to Ahmed Madobe.

Commander Hussein Giif had defected to Jubaland in June after being removed from his position, becoming the highest-ranking officer from Jubaland involved in the recurring battles in Balad Hawo.

Reports indicate Federal Police Commander Aden Mohamed Siyaad Dhafoore was also wounded in this morning’s fresh fighting. His injuries may require transfer to Mogadishu for treatment.

This was the bloodiest fighting to occur in Balad Hawo between federal government forces and Jubaland administration forces loyal to Ahmed Madobe.

The Gedo regional administration has accused the Kenyan government of supporting Jubaland forces, alleging they use the area as a rear base after being pushed out of the Gedo region before regrouping.

Some Jubaland forces who retreated from today’s battle have reportedly re-entered Kenyan territory, particularly at the PP1 camp near Mandera.

The Somali government has remained silent about the situation and has not commented on the interventions by Ethiopia and Kenya in the Gedo region.