Forces loyal to former South West State leader Laftagareen have entered Baidoa as heavy fighting erupts with Somali government troops.
BAIDOA, Somalia (Somali Report) — Heavy fighting erupted on Thursday on the outskirts of Baidoa, the capital of Somalia's southwestern Bay region, between forces loyal to former South West State president Abdiaziz Laftagareen and troops aligned with the federal government, according to local sources.
The fighting broke out after Laftagareen-aligned forces launched a major assault on positions held by government forces around the city, triggering direct clashes between the two sides.
Residents reported hearing heavy gunfire and the sound of heavier weapons being fired inside and around Baidoa, raising fears among civilians in a city that has repeatedly been caught up in political and military confrontations.
The latest clashes come amid a deepening political dispute over control of South West State and the administration of Baidoa.
A spokesman for Laftagareen's forces, Ugas Hassan Abdi Mohamed, said in a video statement that troops loyal to the former South West State leader had attacked military positions in Baidoa and that their operation was still underway.
"Our brave South West State Darawish forces launched an attack on Baidoa this morning against the forces of Afballaar and Salballaar being used by Aadan Madobe and Hassan Sheikh Mohamud," the spokesman said, referring to forces he accused of supporting the federal authorities.
The spokesman urged residents to remain inside their homes while the operation continued, warning civilians against going outside because of the ongoing fighting.
"We tell our people to remain in your homes until the operation being conducted by the forces is completed," he said.
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He also called on government and South West State forces to surrender, saying those who laid down their weapons would be welcomed.
"We tell the forces that when you enter [the city], treat them well, and extend a hand to anyone who surrenders," he added.
There was no immediate response from authorities aligned with the federal government regarding the fighting, and the exact location of the clashes and the extent of territorial changes remained unclear.
The latest confrontation also comes after a series of armed incidents linked to the dispute over South West State, further raising concerns about the security situation in Baidoa and its surrounding areas.
The city has become a major political flashpoint as rival factions compete for control and influence, with the federal government backing an administration led by parliamentary speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, while Laftagareen continues to command support among sections of the region's security forces and political establishment.
The fighting has also heightened concerns for civilians and could disrupt movement, trade and access to essential services in Baidoa if the clashes continue.
No independent figures were immediately available on casualties among civilians or combatants. The security situation remained tense as the fighting continued, with residents reporting continued exchanges of gunfire.
Further details on the outcome of the clashes and any casualties were not immediately available.
About the Author
Ahmed Omar is a senior journalist for Somali Report, based in Mogadishu. He has two decades of experience reporting on Somalia for international and local media. He covers politics, security, governance, business, trade, economic developments and regional affairs.
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