BAYDHABO (Kaab TV) – Relative calm was reported in Baidoa on Monday morning following heavy fighting overnight between Southwest State Darawish forces loyal to former Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen) and forces aligned with the administration of Aden Mohamed Nur (Madoobe), who is recently inaugurated as the new leader of Southwest in a controversial selection and is backed by the Federal Government of Somalia.
The fighting, which began on Sunday, spread into Baidoa city overnight after forces loyal to Laftagareen entered the town and engaged in direct clashes with rival forces.
Residents began fleeing eastern neighbourhoods of the city on Monday morning after the areas were heavily affected by the fighting overnight.
Families said they feared the warring sides could once again deploy the heavy weapons used during the clashes.
Medical sources who spoke to Kaab TV said several wounded people, some of them seriously injured, were taken to the UN and AUSSOM Level 2 Hospital located inside Shaati Gaduud Airport.
Additional casualties were also admitted to at least three private hospitals across the city.
Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the number of people killed and injured in the fighting, while both sides have so far refrained from publicly disclosing their losses.
Although the city appeared relatively calm on Monday morning, residents said tensions remain high and there are fears that fighting could resume between the rival forces.
Mohamed Hassan, an adviser to Aden Madoobe, denied reports that forces loyal to Laftagareen had taken control of Baidoa overnight, but did not provide further details.
Meanwhile, Daauud Jirroon, spokesperson for the Southwest State Darawish forces, said his forces had carried out an operation on Sunday targeting military positions in Baidoa.
He also denied reports that any of his fighters had been captured during the clashes.
The situation in Baidoa remains tense, with concerns that violence could erupt again unless a swift solution is found to the political and military dispute between the rival sides.