Protests Erupt in Somalia's Gedo Region Over Alleged Turkish Strikes in Doolow

In Doolow, protesters accused Turkey of becoming involved in Somalia's political and clan disputes and expressed anger over the reported attack on General Shub's residence. Demonstrators chanted slogans critical of the federal government led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and called for those responsible to be identified and held accountable. The residence of General Shub was reportedly targeted in an overnight attack involving a drone. General Shub and members of his family were reportedly inside the house at the time and sustained minor injuries. The Somali federal government has rejected claims that the incident was caused by an aerial strike. Footage from Doolow seen by Horn Observer shows angry protesters carrying Turkish flags, with some later burned during the demonstration, sayingthe action was intended to denounce what they described as Ankara's growing role in Somalia's political and security affairs. Mohamed Lafey, the Jubbaland district commissioner of Doolow, who reportedly survived Thursday night's incident, joined the protest in the town. Lafey condemned the reported attack, describing it as an assault on a sensitive location inside Doolow. He vowed that he would "not forgive or forget" the incident and called for accountability. Protests were also reported in Garbahaarrey, the administrative capital of Gedo region. Some demonstrators reportedly burned Turkish flags while expressing anger over the events in Doolow. Some protesters also burned an Egyptian flag, reflecting broader opposition among sections of the local population to what they perceive as foreign interference in Somalia's political and clan affairs. The protests nonetheless mark a significant escalation in local anger and highlight growing concerns in Gedo over foreign military involvement, Somalia's internal political divisions and the role of regional powers in the country's security affairs.