Somalia: Mortar shelling reported in Baidoa during South West State inauguration

BAIDOA, Somalia — Mortar shells struck parts of the southwestern Somali city of Baidoa on Monday as a high-profile inauguration ceremony was underway, according to local sources.

Witnesses said several explosions were heard across the city during the event marking the installation of South West State leadership, which was attended by Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, alongside senior federal and regional officials.

The ceremony comes amid heightened political tensions in the region, where federal authorities have been involved in disputes with the South West State leadership.

Local sources said the shelling appeared to target areas of the city during the gathering, though no immediate casualty figures were available and the situation remained unclear.

The inauguration was being held for South West State leader Aden Madobe, who won a controversial election, with federal and regional officials in attendance.

Authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the reported shelling or its impact.

Turkish F-16 fighter jets were deployed to the city ahead of the president's arrival early today, with more troops sent to the outskirts to avert a possible attack from Lafta-Gareen's forces.

GAROWE ONLINE