Baidoa (Kaab TV) – Heavy fighting broke out in the city of Baidoa on Wednesday after forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Laftagareen reportedly moved into the city and seized several strategic military positions.
According to local sources who spoke to Kaab TV, the South West State forces aligned with Laftagareen entered Baidoa earlier in the day amid rising political and security tensions in the region. The sources said the forces quickly took control of four military camps that had recently been occupied by troops of Somalia’s Federal Government.
The bases reportedly captured include Iidow Dhagaale, Xanaano 2, Ban Qayaame, and the Xaro Tuurka area, all considered key security locations on the outskirts and inside parts of Baidoa.
Residents in Baidoa reported hearing sustained heavy gunfire and explosions across several neighborhoods as clashes intensified between the opposing sides. Civilians told Kaab TV that fear and panic have spread throughout the city, with many families remaining indoors as the fighting continues.
“The sound of gunfire is everywhere, and people are extremely frightened,” one resident said by telephone. “We do not know how far the fighting will spread.”
The latest violence comes amid escalating political disputes surrounding the leadership and administration of South West State, as tensions continue to grow between forces loyal to Laftagareen and troops supporting the Federal Government.
So far, there are no confirmed reports regarding casualties or the full extent of the damage caused by the clashes. Neither the Federal Government nor representatives of Laftagareen have officially commented on the situation.
Security analysts warn that continued fighting in Baidoa could further destabilize the region and worsen the already fragile political situation in Somalia.