Sunday 1,Dec,2024 {HMC} Somali federal military forces welcomed four boats carrying Jubbaland troops in Raskamboni, Lower Jubba region, on Sunday as preparations intensify for a major operation against al-Shabab militants.
In a statement, the federal government confirmed the newly arrived troops would join the anticipated operation, although specific troop numbers were undisclosed. Approximately 200 Jubbaland soldiers recently integrated into the federal forces have been deployed to Mogadishu for advanced training.
The federal troops stationed in Raskamboni are tasked with securing areas formerly under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and continuing counter-insurgency efforts against al-Shabab.
A Jubbaland military official expressed optimism about the collaboration, stating, “Our aim is not promotions but to stand by the government and jointly liberate the country from the enemy.”
Lieutenant Colonel Hassan Adan Mohamed Hassan Iraqi, commander of the Gorgor unit’s 18th Battalion, noted that integrating Somali forces is vital for stabilizing Raskamboni and neutralizing militant threats.
However, Jubbaland forces have mobilized separately in Raskamboni in response to federal deployments, raising fears of a potential standoff. Analysts warn that tensions between Mogadishu and Kismayo could undermine national security and complicate efforts to counter al-Shabab, a persistent regional threat.
Somalia’s federal government alleges that Madobe conspired with foreign entities to destabilize Somalia and shared classified information in violation of national security laws. Somali officials argue that his actions jeopardize the federal government’s efforts to implement a “one person, one vote” electoral system, which Jubaland has staunchly resisted.
