Tuesday December 3, 2024
Kismayo (HOL) — Jubbaland's State Minister of Transport and Aviation, Abdullahi Dubad Shill, issued a warning on Monday to airlines operating in Somalia, advising them against flying to Raskamboni in the Lower Juba region, citing heightened security risks in the area.
"The Jubbaland State Government warns all airlines operating in Somalia not to land at the Raskamboni airport. A dangerous conflict situation in that area could pose a major security threat," read a statement from the minister's office.
The ministry further cautioned that any airline disregarding the warning would bear full responsibility for consequences stemming from the ongoing unrest.
Raskamboni has become a focal point of tension following the federal government's recent deployment of military forces to secure areas previously held by the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) and to intensify counter-insurgency operations against al-Shabab militants.
In response, Jubbaland forces have mobilized separately in Raskamboni, raising concerns about a potential military standoff. Over the past two months, escalating political tensions between the federal government and the Jubbaland administration have amplified fears of clashes between their respective forces.