Jubaland residents protest drone strike and Turkish involvement

Thousands of protesters gathered in Kismayo and Afmadow within the Jubaland region to demonstrate against the Somali federal government and Türkiye. The unrest follows a reported drone strike in the Doolow district of the Gedo region, which allegedly targeted the home of former Somali Correctional Service commander, General Mahad Abdirahman Shub.

Demonstrators accused Türkiye of involvement in the air operation, with some protesters burning Turkish flags and displaying images of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Protesters expressed opposition to foreign interference in Somalia’s internal security and political affairs, demanding respect for the nation’s sovereignty and self-determination.

Jubaland officials have criticized the federal government, accusing it of attempting to invade the region. While Jubaland authorities and protesters claim a Turkish military drone was used in the incident, the Federal Government of Somalia has denied that an airstrike occurred at the reported location, and the Turkish government has not officially confirmed any involvement.