Heavy Fighting Erupts in Somalia’s Baidoa as Rival South West Forces Clash

BAIDOA, Somalia — Heavy fighting erupted Monday in Baidoa, the capital of Somalia’s South West state, with gunfire and heavy weapons reported in several parts of the city as rival forces backed by opposing political factions clashed.

Residents reported fighting in areas including Boonkaay, Barwaaqo, Munaawar, Maayafuulka, Al-Axmaar, Al-Faras and Onodka. Armed fighters were also seen in parts of the city, according to local reports.

Forces supporting parliamentary speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe said they had defended their positions. Forces loyal to former South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, meanwhile, claimed to have entered Baidoa and taken control of parts of the city.

Fighting was also reported near the South West State presidential palace, where residents said they heard heavy shelling. Local reports also said drones were used and that three armored vehicles were destroyed, though the claims could not be independently verified.

Residents in areas affected by the fighting were reported to be sheltering in their homes as the situation remained tense. No independent casualty figures were immediately available, and it was not possible to independently determine which side controlled the contested areas.

The latest clashes are part of a broader political and security dispute in South West state. Laftagareen-aligned forces have reportedly entered Baidoa more than seven times since May, when the federal government backed Madobe in a power struggle over the leadership of the state.

GAROWE ONLINE