Hundreds of Passengers Stranded as Somali Government Halts Southern Flights Amid Jubaland Tensions

by: Horn Observer Contributor | 06 December 2024 18:05

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Hundreds of Passengers Stranded as Somali Government Halts Southern Flights Amid Jubaland Tensions

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) - The Somali Federal Government imposed a flight ban on Friday, halting air travel to most southern regions and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport.

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The Somali Federal Government imposed a flight ban on Friday, halting air travel to most southern regions and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at Mogadishu's Aden Adde Airport.

MOGADISHU, Somalia (HORN OBSERVER) - The Somali Federal Government imposed a flight ban on Friday, halting air travel to most southern regions and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded at Mogadishu's Aden Adde International Airport.

The restriction followed the refusal of several airlines to rent passenger planes to the federal government for deploying troops to Raaskambooni, a border town at the center of a bitter dispute between Mogadishu and Jubaland.

A local airline official, speaking anonymously to Kaab TV, explained their decision, citing safety concerns.

"As you may know, Jubaland authorities in Kismayo recently issued a warning. We have credible information that airlines flying to Raaskambooni could be targeted. Therefore, we cannot take those risks,” the official said.

In retaliation, the federal government reportedly blocked all domestic flights from Mogadishu, except those bound for Puntland. As of Friday, only two flights to Puntland had departed from Aden Adde Airport, leaving many passengers stranded and frustrated.

Among those affected was Amina Nur, who had planned to return to Baidoa with her ailing mother. "I do not know why we are being punished for something we are not part of. We came to Mogadishu for medical treatment, but our flight was canceled without notice,” Nur lamented.

Former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire condemned the government’s actions, describing the flight restrictions as a violation of citizens’ rights. "The government must allow civilian passengers to travel freely,” Khaire said in a statement.

Tensions Escalate in Raaskambooni

Meanwhile, Jubaland-based media reported that its forces have stationed anti-aircraft weapons near Raaskambooni, warning that any unauthorized flights to the area could be shot down.

Raaskambooni remains under a blockade, with air and road access restricted amid escalating tensions. Jubaland authorities reported clashes with federal troops in the town on Thursday night.

The Somali Federal Government has deployed Turkey-trained army units, Gorgor and Haramcad, to the region, allegedly to counter Jubaland President Ahmed Madobe’s recent re-election.

Jubaland claims its forces are advancing toward federal positions in response.

On December 4, pickup vehicles designated for the newly deployed Somali federal forces in Raaskambooni were seen being airlifted from Mogadishu’s Aden Adde International Airport.

The deployment comes amid escalating tensions between the Federal Government and Jubaland over control of the strategic border town.

The military buildup has raised concerns about further clashes and regional instability.

The strategic coastal town, located near the Kenyan border, has become a flashpoint for a potential wider conflict. Analysts warn that the ongoing hostilities could spill over into Kenya, further destabilizing the region.

With telecommunication services in the area disrupted for days, details about casualties from the clashes remain unverified. The situation continues to deteriorate as political and military tensions intensify.