Significant military movements have been reported in areas surrounding Baidoa, the capital of Somalia’s Bay region, raising fears of a potential escalation in the ongoing political and security tensions in Southwest State.
Residents in villages around the city have reported growing anxiety as security conditions deteriorate and reports of overnight bombardments continue to emerge.
Images and videos circulating on social media show large craters and damaged structures in several villages on the outskirts of Baidoa, suggesting that heavy shelling struck the area during the night.
While the extent of casualties and damage remains unclear, local sources say civilians may have been affected. Conflicting reports have also emerged regarding who carried out the attacks and which locations were specifically targeted.
Meanwhile, sources on the ground say forces aligned with Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen have been assembling at a location approximately 20 kilometers from Baidoa.
The area, known locally as Seydheloow, is reportedly hosting a sizeable and well-equipped force, fueling speculation that preparations may be underway for a military operation linked to the city.
Some reports suggest the troop buildup could be connected to plans to advance toward Baidoa, where forces loyal to Speaker of Parliament Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Aadan Madoobe) and units of the Federal Government are currently deployed.
The developments come a day after several aircraft reportedly landed in Baidoa carrying additional federal security personnel, including members of the elite Haramcad police unit and other government forces.
The arrival of reinforcements has intensified concerns that rival factions may be preparing for a new phase of confrontation.
Residents living in villages along the routes of military activity and in areas reportedly struck by shelling say they fear being caught in any future fighting.
Many families have expressed concern that a direct clash on the outskirts of Baidoa could trigger a fresh wave of displacement, forcing civilians to flee their homes.
Humanitarian agencies have repeatedly warned that renewed conflict in the region could worsen conditions for communities already struggling with insecurity and economic hardship.
Baidoa remains a key political and administrative center of Southwest State and has recently been at the center of a deepening political dispute involving rival leaders and competing security forces.
Previous tensions between factions loyal to Laftagareen and Aadan Madoobe have contributed to a volatile security environment, with both sides accusing each other of destabilizing the region.
As of now, no official statement has been issued regarding the reported overnight shelling, and authorities have not confirmed whether the forces gathered at Seydheloow have launched or are preparing to launch an operation against Baidoa.
The situation remains fluid, with attention focused on troop movements and the actions of the various parties involved in the political and security standoff surrounding the city.