The situation in Baidoa, the capital of Somalia’s Bay region, remains highly volatile after heavy fighting erupted Thursday between forces loyal to South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen” and federal troops supporting the administration led by Sheikh Aden Madobe.
The clashes have affected at least six neighborhoods—Alfaras, Suuqa Xoolaha, Boonkaay, Al-Ahmar, Dar es Salaam and Tawfiq—where residents reported sustained gunfire, explosions and the use of heavy weapons.
According to reports from the city, South West Darawish forces aligned with Laftagareen launched attacks from multiple directions and have entered parts of Baidoa.
Some of the fiercently contested areas include Suuqa Xoolaha and sections stretching toward the 30-ka road, where intense exchanges of fire continue.
Control of the affected neighborhoods remains unclear, with rival sides issuing conflicting claims that have not been independently verified.
The fighting has forced many civilians to flee their homes, particularly in neighborhoods directly affected by the clashes.
Residents have also reported that several civilian houses caught fire, although the cause of the blazes and the extent of the damage remain unconfirmed.
Baidoa’s electricity provider has reportedly cut power across parts of the city as a precautionary measure to reduce the risk of electrocution or damage to electrical infrastructure caused by the fighting.
The outage is expected to further complicate conditions for residents if the clashes continue.
Speaking to Kaab TV, Ugaas Hassan, a spokesman for the Laftagareen faction, called on Baidoa residents to remain in their homes and cooperate with forces loyal to the South West administration.
He described the operation as a “security clearance campaign” inside the city and urged troops aligned with Sheikh Aden Madobe to surrender.
The fighting has also disrupted air travel. A local official told Kaab TV that Baidoa Airport has been closed after the clashes moved close to the facility, and no passenger flights operated to or from the city on Thursday.
There are also reports that forces loyal to Laftagareen have seized weapons and military equipment belonging to troops aligned with Sheikh Aden Madobe, though these claims have not been independently verified.
No official casualty figures have been released, but reports indicate that the fighting has resulted in deaths and injuries. The exact number of casualties remains unclear as the battle continues and access to affected areas remains limited.