Kismayo, Somalia – Tensions between the semi-autonomous Jubaland state and the Somali federal government escalated on Friday when Jubaland forces reportedly fired on a cargo plane suspected of transporting weapons to Raskamboni, a key town in the Lower Juba region.

The Somali federal government had recently arranged for local airlines to support the deployment of federal troops to Raskamboni, a move that Jubaland officials had strongly opposed. A Jubaland source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the state had issued explicit warnings against these unauthorized flights.

The plane, which was targeted with anti-aircraft weapons, was attempting to leave Raskamboni when the incident occurred. There has been no immediate confirmation on whether the plane was hit. In response, Jubaland authorities have suspended all flights to and from Raskamboni, declaring that any further unauthorized flights will be treated as hostile.

The incident deepens the rift between Jubaland, led by President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe), and the federal government of Somalia, headed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. The federal government has criticized Madobe for allegedly using local forces for personal political gain, while Jubaland sees the federal troop deployments as an infringement on its autonomy.

This latest escalation highlights the fragile political situation in Somalia, as tensions between the federal government and regional states threaten to undermine the fight against the militant group Al-Shabaab. Both sides appear entrenched in their positions, with no immediate moves toward de-escalation, raising concerns over the potential impact on national security and stability.