Former South West leader Abdiaziz Laftagareen has accused Somalia's federal government of carrying out alleged F-16 air strikes in Doolow and near Baidoa, including what he claims was an attempt to assassinate a military commander.
MOGADISHU, Somalia (Somali Report) — Former South West regional leader Abdiaziz Laftagareen has accused Somalia's federal government of responsibility for air strikes in the southwestern town of Doolow and areas near Baidoa, despite the government previously denying involvement in the Doolow incident.
In a statement, Laftagareen's office, which continues to refer to itself as the "Government of South West Somalia", said F-16 fighter jets had been used in the alleged attacks.
Laftagareen said his administration knew who had specifically ordered the strikes but did not name the individual or individuals allegedly responsible.
"The Government of South West knows who specifically gave the order for the air strikes and will take all appropriate measures against those responsible," the statement said.
The accusations focused on an incident reported late Thursday involving Mahad Abdirahman Aden, a military officer known as Taliye Shub, as well as another alleged air strike reported Friday in the vicinity of Baidoa.
Laftagareen claimed that the attack targeting Taliye Shub was an assassination attempt and placed political responsibility directly on Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
The allegations have not been independently verified.
The federal government said Friday that it was closely monitoring an incident in Doolow, in the Gedo region, but categorically denied any involvement.
In a statement, the government said preliminary information gathered by security agencies suggested that explosions at the site may have resulted from explosive materials that were being prepared inside a house.
It stressed, however, that the official investigation had not yet been completed.
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The government said it would appoint an independent fact-finding committee to investigate the incident, establish its circumstances and determine those responsible.
It also warned against what it described as misinformation surrounding the incident before the completion of the investigation, pledging to make the findings public.
The federal government's statement specifically addressed the Doolow incident but did not respond to Laftagareen's latest allegations concerning the reported strike near Baidoa.
Laftagareen also raised concerns over military equipment and capabilities provided to Somalia by Turkey, accusing the federal government of using them to target political opponents and people opposed to President Hassan Sheikh's administration.
"Military equipment and capabilities provided to Somalia by the Turkish government are being used for repression and violence against politicians and civilians who oppose the misguided plans and open injustice of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud," his office said.
Turkey has emerged as one of Somalia's closest security partners, providing military training and other support to the Horn of Africa nation as it battles the Al-Shabaab Islamist insurgency.
Laftagareen called on the United Nations, African Union, IGAD, European Union, United States, Britain and other international partners to closely monitor the situation.
The exchange of accusations comes amid growing tensions between Somalia's federal government and Laftagareen's political camp, particularly following recent clashes and heightened security tensions in and around Baidoa.
The latest dispute threatens to further deepen political divisions in Somalia, where disagreements between Mogadishu and regional political actors have repeatedly complicated efforts to stabilise the country and coordinate the fight against Al-Shabaab.
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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