Intense fighting once again engulfed the contested border town of Beled Hawo in Gedo region, Somalia.

The fighting reignited longstanding tensions between federal forces and troops loyal to the Jubbaland administration.

Local sources confirmed that the clashes began early Tuesday morning near the Somali-Kenyan border.

Witnesses reported hearing sustained gunfire and heavy explosions, prompting panic among residents and forcing some families to flee their homes.

According to initial reports, both sides have deployed heavy weaponry in the confrontation, which centers on control of key positions outside the town.

Sources aligned with Jubaland claim federal troops launched a surprise offensive on their camps, though the federal government in Mogadishu has yet to issue an official statement.

Former Jubbaland Security Minister Abdirashid Janan, who was recently appointed by the federal government as the National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) commander for Gedo region, is reportedly leading the government’s operations.

Mohamed Ali, a security analyst warned that renewed instability in Gedo could further undermine Somalia’s already fragile political landscape, especially as the country prepares for key electoral and security transitions.

He said Janan remains a polarising figure in the region, previously accused of war crimes and having played a central role in earlier violence in the same area.

The exact number of casualties remains unclear, but local medical sources and residents suggest there are likely fatalities and injuries on both sides.

Beled Hawo has long been at the centre of a bitter struggle between Somalia’s federal government and the semi-autonomous Jubaland administration based in Kismayo.

The dispute is rooted in deep political divisions, competing claims over territorial control, and contested appointments of security officials.

“This latest bout of violence echoes deadly confrontations in 2020 and 2021, when fighting between federal forces and Jubbaland loyalists – also under Janan’s command – resulted in civilian deaths and mass displacement,” he said.

The violence then drew condemnation from regional stakeholders, including neighbouring Kenya.

“The use of force to resolve political disputes is a dangerous pattern that risks plunging the region into deeper conflict,” the regional analyst told Radio Generation.

“Without genuine dialogue and de-escalation, this cycle will continue,” said Mr. Ali.

As of Tuesday evening, there were neither reports of mediation efforts nor statements from regional and international partners.

The humanitarian situation remains a concern and the ongoing insecurity could hamper aid delivery in a region already affected by drought and displacement.