The Jubaland State Administration has strongly condemned an airstrike reportedly carried out by Turkish military aircraft in Doolow District, Gedo Region, late last night, describing the incident as a serious escalation with potentially far-reaching political and security implications.
According to Jubaland, the strike directly targeted the residence of Mahad Abdirahman Adan, a former Commander of the Federal Government’s Custodial Corps. Jubaland maintains that the attack was politically motivated and linked to his differing political views.
The administration stated that two missiles were fired during the incident. One reportedly struck the residence of the Chairman of Doolow District, while the other hit the residence of the former Custodial Corps Commander.
Jubaland said the attack resulted in injuries to Mahad Abdirahman Adan and four other civilians. It further emphasized that Doolow has remained relatively peaceful and largely free from serious security incidents for more than a decade.
Jubaland described the use of missiles against a residential area in the middle of the night, resulting in civilian casualties, as a grave violation that warrants urgent international scrutiny. The administration called for accountability for all parties responsible for the operation.
Jubaland also expressed concern over Türkiye’s reported involvement, arguing that the use of Turkish military capabilities in an internal Somali political context raises serious questions regarding the neutrality of external actors and the potential consequences for Somalia’s political stability.
The administration called on international stakeholders, including the United Nations, African Union, IGAD, United States and European Union, to closely examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and Türkiye’s role in the operation.
Jubaland further urged the United Nations to reconsider the lifting of the arms embargo on Somalia until effective mechanisms are in place to ensure the proper control, management, monitoring and accountability of weapons and military equipment supplied to Somalia.
Finally, Jubaland warned that Türkiye’s alleged involvement could undermine its credibility as a potential mediator in Somalia’s internal political disputes. It stressed that meaningful dialogue and reconciliation require external actors to maintain neutrality and avoid actions that could deepen political divisions.
Jubaland reiterates its commitment to protecting civilians, upholding peace and stability, and pursuing political dialogue as the primary means of resolving Somalia’s political differences.