Raskamboni(Mogadishu24)-Somalia’s Defense Ministry on Wednesday accused of Jubaland State forces of launching an attack against the Somali National Army bases in Raskamboni town in lower Juba.

The Ministry said in a statement that Jubaland State President attacked SNA forces who were deployed to the area for purpose of taking over security responsibility from the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia there and going to conduct operation against Al-Shabaab.

“The Ministry of Defense is closely monitoring a plan in which Ahmed Modobe made a contact with Al-Shabaab, enabling his army to pass through their control area and then carry out attack against the Somali National Army”, the statement said.

Government’s comment came hours after Jubaland State TV reported that 150 soldiers surrendered to the regional forces during the fierce fighting, claiming that the Federal government forces based in Raskamboni started the confrontation in the area.

Heavy fighting between Jubaland State forces and those of the Federal Government of Somalia erupted near the port town Raskamboni early on Wednesday according to reports with casualties.