Doolow, Somalia – Violence broke out on Monday in the town of Doolow, Gedo region, as Somali Federal Government forces engaged in clashes with soldiers from the semi-autonomous Jubaland state.

Sources speaking to local media reported that the conflict followed a federal curfew imposed after the arrival of affiliates linked to Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe.

The skirmish is the latest escalation in a growing rift between the federal government in Mogadishu and Jubaland authorities, rooted in deep-seated political and electoral disputes. These tensions have destabilized the region in recent weeks, including a deadly confrontation in Raaskambooni, underscoring the fragile security situation in southern Somalia.

Residents in Doolow described scenes of fear and uncertainty as gunfire echoed through the town. “We heard the fighting start in the early morning,” said one local resident, who asked not to be named for safety reasons. “People are afraid to leave their homes.”

Both sides claim to be acting in defense of their territories and political mandates. The Somali Federal Government has sought to assert greater authority over Jubaland, while Jubaland leaders argue for their autonomy and accuse Mogadishu of overreach.