BAYDHABO (Kaab TV) – A fierce battle erupted early Thursday between South West State forces and the militant group Al-Shabaab in Baay Burjeed, a village on the outskirts of Baidoa, the capital of Somalia’s Bay region and the seat of South West State.
Military officials from South West State said the clash began at dawn when Al-Shabaab fighters launched a surprise attack on a military base in Baay Burjeed manned by regional troops.
The confrontation resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides.
In an official statement, the South West State government confirmed that its forces had repelled the attack and dealt a significant blow to Al-Shabaab.
The statement also noted that bodies believed to be those of Al-Shabaab fighters were brought to Baidoa after the fighting.
Officials also confirmed the loss of several South West State officers during the confrontation.
Following the attack, residents of Baidoa and regional security forces gathered in the city center to express their support and celebrate what they described as a military victory.
The assault reportedly began with explosions targeting the military outpost before an armed assault ensued.
Security forces said they repelled the attack, killing and wounding several of the attackers.
“The Council of Ministers praised the Armed Forces for defeating the surprise assault launched by the Khawarij Al-Shabaab on army and Darawish positions near Baidoa,” read a statement from the South West State presidency.
President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen) later visited frontline troops in Baidoa to commend their efforts and encourage them to continue defending the region.
“We will hunt them down everywhere — in villages, towns, wherever they try to hide,” president Laftagareen declared.
Al-Shabaab, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the Somali government, the United Nations, and other international actors, has intensified its operations across southern and central Somalia in recent months.
The group has regained control over various areas in Hiiraan, Middle Shabelle, and Lower Shabelle.
Despite ongoing military operations, Al-Shabaab maintains control over many rural areas and key roads in South West State, restricting civilian travel.
However, reports from towns such as Xudur, Diinsoor, and Waajid suggest that the group has recently begun allowing public vehicles to use certain routes leading to Baidoa.
It remains unclear whether this shift is part of a broader strategy by Al-Shabaab to expand its influence and territorial control in southern and central Somalia.