Further details are emerging regarding the heavy fighting that broke out in the town of Baidoa this morning, as the city’s situation remains extremely tense with gunfire and the sounds of heavy weaponry echoing across many parts of Baidoa.
The fighting is taking place between forces aligned with opposing political factions in Southwest State, with both sides claiming the upper hand and issuing conflicting reports regarding the situation inside the town.
Preliminary reports indicate that the clashes have reached several key locations, with armed troops visible in various parts of the city. Heavy gunfire and artillery shells have been heard across Baidoa since this morning, leaving residents facing an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty.
Reports from the city state that the fighting erupted from multiple directions, with forces utilizing various types of weaponry against each other. The areas reported to have been reached by the fighting include Boonkaay, Barwaaqo, Munawar, Maaya-fuulka, Al-Axmaar, Al-Faras, and Onodka.
The faction supporting Aden Madobe states that their forces have successfully defended their positions, whereas the Laftagareen faction claims to have breached some of the rival forces’ defenses. With Laftagareen’s troops reported to have entered the town, sources from the Laftagareen camp indicate that their forces have pushed deeper into Baidoa and taken control of parts of the city.
The Laftagareen faction also circulated photographs showing armed members walking through the town, claiming that they had reached vital locations.
The most critical news emerging this morning is that the Presidential Palace in Baidoa has been surrounded. It is reported that heavy artillery shells are striking the vicinity of the Presidential Palace, with the fighting drawing very close to the compound.
Meanwhile, the spokesperson for Aden Madobe appeared and called upon the public to remain calm. The spokesperson stated that the troops who attacked the town had been neutralized, claiming that the attacking elements were individuals he accused of belonging to Al-Shabaab. This statement came at a time when gunfire and shelling were simultaneously being reported around the Presidential Palace.
Consequently, it is evident that the accounts coming from both sides diverge sharply, and it remains difficult to independently determine which faction holds control over all the contested areas. Reports from the city also state that forces supporting Laftagareen are utilizing unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). It is reported that these aircraft are targeting locations where government facilities are situated and the surrounding area of the Presidential Palace. Additionally, artillery and heavy weaponry are said to be deployed in the battle.
The clashes have also reportedly resulted in the burning of three armored vehicles. Reports indicate that these vehicles were destroyed during the fighting, though ownership and the exact location of their destruction have not yet been verified. The Aden Madobe faction maintains that Laftagareen’s forces were defeated and pushed back from some of those areas.
Residents living in neighborhoods where gunfire is taking place are reportedly trapped inside their homes, while others are attempting to flee away from the conflict zones.
Fighting occurring within the town could also impact health services, commerce, movement, and humanitarian aid operations.
So far, there is no official or independent casualty toll regarding the deaths and injuries resulting from this morning’s fighting. The clashes that have taken place in and around the town in recent times have demonstrated how political disputes have negatively impacted the security situation.
This new outbreak of fighting has now rendered the situation extremely critical, especially given that heavy weaponry is being deployed inside the city.