BAIDOA, Somalia (Kaab TV) – Local security sources are saying that a number of soldiers from the Somali National Army (SNA) have reportedly abandoned their positions and joined forces loyal to the ousted South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen), signaling a potentially significant development in the region’s evolving security landscape.
According to local sources, the alleged defections come amid heightened military activity around Baidoa, where forces aligned with Laftagareen have maintained a presence in areas surrounding the city.
Witnesses have also reported unusual troop movements and increased mobilization in recent days, raising concerns about the possibility of renewed confrontations.
Security analysts say the reported shift in allegiance could reflect deeper divisions within security institutions and growing political tensions linked to the ongoing power struggle in South West State.
They warn that any fragmentation within the security forces could further complicate efforts to maintain stability in the Bay Region.
Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West State, remains one of Somalia’s most strategically important cities.
As a major political, military, and economic center, developments affecting the balance of power among security forces are closely monitored due to their potential impact on regional stability and governance.
The reports come as forces loyal to Laftagareen continue to be linked to military operations and movements around Baidoa following the Federal Government’s takeover of the city’s administration.
Recent clashes in and around the city have heightened fears of a broader escalation, prompting many residents to closely follow developments on the ground.
As of now, neither the Federal Government of Somalia nor representatives of Laftagareen have officially commented on the reports of the alleged defections. Independent verification of the claims remains difficult due to the fluid security situation and limited access to some of the affected areas.
Some security officials warn that if confirmed, the defections could mark a new phase in the political and military standoff surrounding Baidoa, potentially reshaping the security dynamics in South West State and increasing pressure on all parties to seek a negotiated resolution to the crisis.