In a deadly clash on Monday, Somali and Ethiopian forces clashed in the border town of Doolow, just days after a significant agreement aimed at resolving tensions between the two nations.
The Somali foreign ministry condemned the attack, alleging that Ethiopian troops targeted Somali forces stationed at an airstrip in Doolow, located in Somalia’s Jubaland state.
The assault occurred around 10:00 a.m. and resulted in fatalities, though the exact number remains unconfirmed.
Jubaland state officials, however, offered a different account.
They claimed that Ethiopian forces intervened to protect a delegation of local politicians, who were reportedly under threat.
The politicians included state legislators, cabinet members, and the governor of Jubaland.
The firefight began when Somali federal forces were ordered to shoot down an aircraft carrying the delegation.
This escalated into violent clashes between Somali government forces and pro-Jubaland troops, with Ethiopian forces stepping in to support the latter.
As the fighting spread throughout the town, Somali federal forces were reportedly overpowered, leaving several soldiers wounded or disarmed.
The violence has raised concerns about the fragile peace agreement brokered by Turkey on December 12.
The clash threatens to unravel the agreement, which was intended to resolve months of diplomatic and military tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia.
At the heart of the dispute was Ethiopia’s controversial agreement with Somalia’s breakaway region, Somaliland, over a leased coastline for a port and military base.
Somalia has now expressed its outrage, accusing Ethiopia of violating the recently signed deal, and vowed to take action in defense of its sovereignty.
The federal government’s response signals that further tensions could arise unless a peaceful resolution is found.