Heavy fighting has erupted in Baidoa between forces loyal to former South West President Abdiaziz Laftagareen and Somali government troops, with explosions, heavy gunfire and reported drone attacks causing panic among residents.
BAIDOA, Somalia (Somali Report) — Heavy battle flared up Monday in Baidoa, the capital of Somalia’s Bay region, between forces loyal to former South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen and Somali government troops stationed in the city, according to local sources.
The clashes began after Laftagareen-aligned forces launched an attack toward Baidoa that was reportedly preceded by explosions. The fighting then developed into direct clashes between the two sides, with various types of weapons being used, the sources said.
Residents said heavy gunfire and the sound of artillery could be heard inside Baidoa as the fighting continued. The renewed violence has caused fear among residents of the city, which has experienced repeated armed clashes linked to political tensions in South West State.
Local sources also reported that the attacking forces used drones carrying explosives against a government military camp outside the city. A fire was later reported at the camp, although the extent of the damage was not immediately clear.
A spokesman for Laftagareen’s forces, Ugas Hassan Abdi Mohamed, said in a video message that his fighters had entered Baidoa and that their operation was continuing. His claims could not be independently verified.
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“The heroes of the South West Darawiish have passed the positions where the Salbalaar and Af-Balaar militias were stationed and have taken control of large parts of Baidoa,” the spokesman said, describing the operation as an effort to “liberate” South West State.
He urged residents to remain indoors and avoid going outside while the fighting continued, warning them to stay away from areas affected by the clashes. There were no immediate reports of civilian or military casualties.
The situation in Baidoa remained tense, with heavy weapons reportedly being fired in and around the city. South West State authorities and Somali federal government officials had not immediately issued statements on the fighting or responded to the claims made by Laftagareen’s forces.
The latest clashes come amid a prolonged political dispute over the leadership and future administration of South West State, with Laftagareen and federal authorities backing opposing positions. The conflict has increasingly taken on a military dimension, raising concerns over the impact on civilians and stability in Baidoa.
Independent verification of battlefield developments remained difficult because of the ongoing fighting and limited access to affected areas.
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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