Intense fighting broke out in parts of Baidoa on Sunday, with heavy gunfire and explosions reported across several areas of the city, raising fears among residents and disrupting normal activities.
Local sources said rival forces exchanged heavy and light weapons fire in multiple locations, with clashes reported around the Afar-Irdo area and other neighborhoods.
The sound of gunfire could be heard across large sections of the city as civilians remained indoors amid growing uncertainty over the security situation.
Preliminary reports indicate that the fighting is taking place on several fronts. Forces aligned with the Southwest administration said they had launched what they described as an operation aimed at “reclaiming Southwest State.”
Reports from the city also stated that a food storage warehouse located near the headquarters of the Somali National Army’s 60th Division was set ablaze during the violence. The circumstances surrounding the fire were not immediately clear.
Supporters of former Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen claimed their forces had seized control of parts of Baidoa and overrun positions held by armed groups they identified as Salbalaar and Af-Balaar militias.
These claims could not be independently verified.
Ugaas Hassan, a figure aligned with the Laftagareen camp, said the operation was continuing and described it as part of a broader effort to “liberate Southwest State.”
The situation in Baidoa remains highly volatile, with ongoing gunfire affecting civilian movement and daily life. Residents have reported heightened fear as clashes continue in and around the city.
No official casualty figures have been released, and authorities have yet to provide a comprehensive statement on the latest developments.
As fighting continues, attention is focused on whether the clashes will escalate further or whether efforts will be made to restore calm in the regional capital. More details are expected to emerge as the situation develops.