Heavy fighting has reportedly broken out in Baidoa, the capital of Somalia’s Bay region, between forces loyal to former South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen and troops affiliated with the Federal Government of Somalia.
Multiple sources and officials close to the opposing sides said clashes erupted in several parts of the city, with residents reporting sustained gunfire and the use of heavy weapons.
The latest reports indicate that forces loyal to Laftagareen have entered parts of Baidoa and claimed control of several neighborhoods.
One of the areas reportedly witnessing intense fighting is around the Hasay Factory, where Federal Government forces, including units from the Gorgor commandos, are believed to be stationed.
Residents said gunfire could be heard across different parts of the city as the security situation deteriorated rapidly.
Other reports indicate that heavy weapons were used during the clashes, with unverified claims that several houses were damaged or destroyed after being hit by artillery or other heavy weapons.
The exact number of damaged homes and any civilian casualties have not yet been independently confirmed.
A spokesperson for forces loyal to Laftagareen said their troops launched attacks on Baidoa from several directions and had taken control of parts of the city.
The spokesperson further claimed that the forces had taken full control of Baidoa.
However, the claim that the entire city has been captured has not been independently verified, with reports from inside Baidoa remaining conflicting.
Other unverified reports suggest that fighting has reached or is taking place near key government facilities, including the South West State presidential palace in Baidoa.
It remains unclear which side currently has full control of all major facilities in the city, while the situation on the ground could change rapidly as fighting continues.
The current South West State administration in Baidoa has yet to issue a detailed official statement addressing the claims made by Laftagareen-aligned forces.
A Conflict Rooted in a Long-Running Political Dispute
The latest fighting comes amid a prolonged political and security dispute between the Federal Government and the former leadership of South West State.
In late March 2026, Federal Government forces took control of Baidoa following fighting and escalating military tensions with forces loyal to Laftagareen.
However, tensions did not end with the federal takeover. Clashes between government forces and Laftagareen-aligned fighters have continued to occur in and around the city.
A report published on May 22, 2026, said fighting had erupted on the outskirts of Baidoa after forces aligned with Laftagareen were accused of attacking positions held by Federal Government troops.
The renewed violence highlights how the political dispute surrounding South West State has continued to carry serious security consequences, particularly in a city that serves as the region’s main political and administrative center.
Civilian Concerns Grow as Fighting Spreads
Baidoa holds major political and security importance for Somalia. It is the administrative center of South West State and is home to a large civilian population, including thousands of internally displaced people.
As a result, fighting inside the city could have immediate consequences for civilians, medical services, transportation and humanitarian operations.
There is currently no officially confirmed figure for the number of people killed or wounded in the latest clashes.
The number of homes damaged or destroyed has also not been independently established.
Further information from hospitals, local authorities and humanitarian organizations will be important in determining the scale of the casualties and destruction.
Claims that residential buildings have been struck by heavy weapons also require further verification, particularly to establish the locations affected and whether civilians were among those injured or killed.
Residents in neighborhoods where fighting is taking place are facing growing fear and uncertainty, with continued clashes potentially restricting movement and access to essential services.
Political Dispute Threatens to Fuel Further Violence
The Baidoa fighting is not simply a military confrontation; it is unfolding against the backdrop of a wider political dispute between Mogadishu and the leadership of South West State.
Previous conflicts in Baidoa have demonstrated how political disagreements can quickly develop into armed confrontations when competing forces mobilize on the ground.
Earlier reports have also documented repeated clashes between forces loyal to Laftagareen and Federal Government troops stationed in or around Baidoa.
The latest escalation therefore raises concerns that continued political confrontation could further destabilize South West State and create additional risks for civilians already affected by insecurity and displacement.
For now, the situation in Baidoa remains fluid. Claims about who controls the city, the extent of the fighting and the number of casualties should be treated cautiously until they are confirmed by credible official and independent sources.