Kenya Orders Jubaland Forces to Withdraw After Border Clashes

 

Kenya Demands Jubaland Forces Withdraw Following Cross-Border Clashes

Tensions between Kenya and Somalia escalated this week after Kenyan authorities ordered Jubaland security forces to withdraw from Kenyan territory. The directive comes in the wake of recent cross-border clashes between Jubaland troops and Somali federal forces, sparking concerns over stability in the region.

According to local reports, Jubaland forces crossed into Kenya following a series of confrontations in the Gedo region, near the border town of Beled-Hawo. The clashes reportedly involved heavy gunfire, prompting fears among local residents and leading to temporary displacement of civilians.

Kenyan security officials stated that any foreign troops operating on Kenyan soil without coordination with Nairobi pose a direct threat to national security. The government emphasized that the presence of Jubaland fighters in Kenya is a violation of territorial integrity and could trigger further military responses if the order to withdraw is ignored.

The Somali federal government in Mogadishu has not yet issued an official statement on the matter. However, political analysts believe this incident could worsen relations between the Somali administration and Jubaland, a semi-autonomous state in southern Somalia.

Cross-border tensions between Kenya and Jubaland are not new. Kenya has long maintained a military presence in Somalia under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) to combat the extremist group al-Shabab. However, disputes over control of border areas have repeatedly strained ties.

Human rights groups are calling for both sides to de-escalate and ensure civilian safety. Observers warn that prolonged conflict in the border zone could create new opportunities for militant groups to exploit instability.