BAYDHABO (Kaab TV) – The President of the Southwest State, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen,” today concluded training for units of the Southwest Darawiish forces.
These forces, who will take part in operations to enhance security, were trained by Ethiopian military officers participating in the AUSSOM mission.
President Laftagareen urged the troops to defend their country, religion, and government, as he addressed three units of the Southwest Darawiish forces at a military training camp on the outskirts of Baydhabo.
He stated that Southwest State faces multiple enemies, warning that there are many actors being used to destabilize the region.
“As I told you before, the enemy is not one, not two—it has now gone beyond three. But even all of them together cannot defeat Southwest State. We will resist them,” said President Laftagareen.
He accused the Federal Government of launching what he described as an “open and shameless aggression” against Southwest regions.
“The national resources—finances, weapons, and ammunition that belonged to all Somalis—especially after the arms embargo was lifted, are now being used to harm civilians,” he added.
The President also alleged that the Federal Government is airlifting troops and weapons into Southwest territories and intimidating local district administrations, some of which have already lost control of their areas.
The districts of Baraawe and Buurhakaba reportedly fell this week to newly deployed Federal Government forces in Southwest regions.
Laftagareen expressed gratitude to Ethiopian forces, noting that they had pledged to train more troops in Southwest areas before returning to their bases.
“Southwest State will not be intimidated. As long as even one person remains, we will defend ourselves,” President Laftagareen declared.