Somalia: SNA soldiers lose Raskamboni battle to Jubaland troops, surrender to KDF

RASKAMBONI, Somalia - The Jubaland regional forces took full control of the Raskamboni town in the southwestern part of the country, following hours of fierce battle against the elite Gorgor troops of the Somali National Army (SNA), are said to be keen to overthrow Ahmed Islam Mohamed Madobe.

Fighting erupted on Wednesday morning with Jubaland troops accusing the SNA soldiers of activating clashes after firing towards the regional forces. Casualties between the two sides remain unknown but massive destruction of infrastructures was reported.

A statement by Somalia’s Ministry of Defence seemed to blame Jubaland leader Ahmed Islam Mohamed for the clashes, accusing him of being an "Al-Shabaab collaborator". The ministry threatened to take "legal actions" against those involved.

But Jubaland leader Ahmed Madobe had warned the federal government against the deployment of troops solely to overthrow him, asking President Hassan Sheikh and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre to respect him having been elected for the third time.

According to sources, the Jubaland forces took full control of the town and the strategic airstrip. Consequently, over 300 federal troops under Colonel Ciraaqi crossed over to the Kenyan border where they were disarmed by the Kenyan Defence Forces.

In addition, senior Jubaland officials informed Garowe Online that 240 Federal soldiers have surrendered to Jubaland forces, further consolidating their control in the area. This comes after Mogadishu and Kismayo issued arrest warrants against Madobe and Hassan Sheikh respectively.

This major development coincides with Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud holding an unannounced meeting with Ethiopian PM Abiy Ahmed in Turkey. This meeting comes amidst earlier remarks by President Hassan, who stated he would not meet Abiy unless Ethiopia rescinds its agreement with Somaliland.

Despite these critical developments, the Somali Federal Government has remained silent on the loss of Raaskambooni, the surrender of its troops, and the movement of forces across the Kenya-Somalia border.

Hassan Sheikh is arguing he will hold a universal suffrage model of elections in Somalia despite concerns by Jubaland and Puntland, arguing that such a hastily move could trigger unconstitutional term extensions for both federal and state leaders.

The situation both in Raskamboni and El-Wak remains fluid but the Jubaland troops have taken over all critical government installations and warned against sustained provocation by the federal troops. The international partners have called for mediation.

The story is still developing, follow Garowe Online for frequent updates.