Units from the 14th October Battalion of the Somali National Ground Forces have reportedly succeeded in bringing an end to a tense situation that had been ongoing for hours between farmlands located between Marka and the Janaale area in the Lower Shabelle region an issue authorities feared could escalate into an armed confrontation.
According to military officials, the rapid response was carried out by elements of the 141st, 144th, and 145th units who were swiftly deployed to the area as soon as reports of the tension emerged.
The forces reportedly separated the conflicting sides and managed to calm the situation, preventing fighting from breaking out in the area.
The commander of the 14th October Battalion Brigadier General Osman Muse Mohamed, stated that the operation unfolded as planned and that the troops safely resolved the dispute that had been ongoing in the locality. He added that the soldiers’ efforts helped restore stability.
The commander also said the troops reopened a water canal that had been blocked due to the tension, enabling water to return to the farmland. He emphasized that this is critical for the continuation of agricultural production and for the livelihoods of local residents who rely on irrigation.
Musa further stressed that bloodshed will not be accepted in disagreements that serve no purpose. He urged the community to address grievances through dialogue and mutual understanding rather than resorting to force.
He also noted that maintaining security and stability in local areas is essential as the government continues its operations against Al-Shabaab, a group he said repeatedly tries to take advantage of community conflicts in order to disrupt security.
The commander confirmed that operations will continue to protect security and resolve disputes arising in areas where the forces are deployed aimed at ensuring peace, social cohesion, and progress in Lower Shabelle region.
Mustaqbal
