The Defence Minister of the Somali Federal Government Mohamed Sheikh Hassan held a press conference in Mogadishu and called on the stop of the fighting and tribal disputes in Baladhawo of the Gedo region. In the last few days, consistent fighting between Interim Jubba Administration forces against the co-allied Ahlusunna Waljamaaca militia and Somali National Army left at least 20 people dead and more than 30 severely wounded.
Mr. Hassan described that the confrontations may give Al-Qaeda affiliated terrorist group Al-Shabaab an opportunity to invade the town and 'benefit' from the tensions in Baladhawo.