MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Fighting resumed today in Baidoa following clashes that took place last night, the previous day, and the night before inside the city. The fighting is between forces of Southwest State of Somalia and clan militias reportedly backed by the Federal Government of Somalia, along with federal troops.
Reports indicate the clashes erupted after Southwest State forces launched an attack on positions held by opposition fighters in the Habar-Dooy area. Heavy weapons fire has been intermittently heard from that area.
The previous night, fighting occurred in the Abu Casharow neighborhood on the outskirts of Baidoa, as well as at the livestock market—both densely populated civilian areas.
Local sources told Kaab TV that at least two young girls were killed during Thursday night’s fighting after their home was struck by an RPG (bazooka) used by the warring sides.
Three medical facilities reported receiving up to four civilian casualties who were wounded and taken to hospitals across the city.
The spokesperson for the Southwest State presidency, Ugaas Hassan Abdi, accused the Federal Government of launching a campaign aimed at destabilizing the regional administration.
“The Federal Government is carrying out a blatant offensive aimed at destroying Southwest State and dividing its people,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the Federal Parliament, Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, speaking on Friday at a mosque near Villa Somalia, accused President Abdiaziz Laftagareen of defying the federal government.
He also stated that Laftagareen is unilaterally preparing for elections in Southwest State.
“That will not be accepted—we say stop,” Madobe said, amid reports that he himself is a potential candidate for the Southwest State presidency.
Residents in Baidoa told Kaab TV that the ongoing fighting has severely affected civilian life, which was already strained by drought and rising inflation, now compounded by renewed conflict.
Many residents began fleeing from the city.
Situation in Baraawe
Forces from the Southwest State presidential guard who fled Baraawe have arrived in Kismayo on Saturday.
Jubaland police officials confirmed that 123 members of the Southwest State presidential guard stationed in Baraawe safely reached Kismayo.
Baraawe, the official administrative capital of Southwest State, was taken yesterday by forces linked to the federal government, reportedly organized along clan lines. These forces were deployed from Mogadishu and arrived in Baraawe by boat.
President Laftagareen this week severed ties with the Federal Government, accusing it of interference, aggression against his administration, and violations of the federal constitution.