The border town of Balad-Hawo in Somalia’s Gedo region remains on edge following intense clashes earlier this week between Somali Federal Government forces and troops loyal to the Jubbaland administration. Although calm has returned to the streets, residents fear that renewed fighting could erupt at any moment.

The confrontation, which broke out on Monday, was among the most serious in recent months and has raised concerns over the fragile security situation in the region. Both parties remain in their respective positions, with federal troops stationed at the UK camp on the town’s outskirts and Jubbaland-aligned forces maintaining their presence inside Balad-Hawo.

Local sources report that the humanitarian situation in the town has rapidly deteriorated. Communication lines have been down for nearly a week, cutting off Balad-Hawo from the outside world and hampering relief efforts. Residents face severe shortages of food, clean water, and medical supplies.

The clashes have also triggered new waves of displacement. Hundreds of families have fled the town, seeking safety in surrounding areas and across the borders into Kenya and Ethiopia.

“There is a real sense of fear among the civilian population,” one community elder told local media. “People are fleeing not just because of the fighting, but because they see no guarantee of safety or basic services.”

Despite the lull in fighting, no formal ceasefire has been reached. Tensions remain high as both the Federal Government and the Jubbaland administration accuse each other of instigating the conflict—deepening the political rift and complicating prospects for peace.

Balad-Hawo has long been a flashpoint in the broader struggle between the Federal Government and regional authorities over control and governance in southern Somalia. The current standoff underscores the urgent need for political dialogue to prevent further escalation and address the growing humanitarian crisis.