Former South West State President Laftagareen” has appealed to the international community for what he described as accountability over recent security developments and military operations in South West Somalia.
In a statement addressed to the United States, the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, IGAD, diplomatic missions in Somalia, and Somali opposition groups, Laftagareen’s camp expressed concern over ongoing military activities in areas of South West State.
The statement condemned what it described as attacks carried out by forces linked to the Federal Government of Somalia against civilians and supporters of Laftagareen’s administration, which has been operating outside Baidoa amid the ongoing political dispute over the leadership of South West State.
Laftagareen’s camp also alleged that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had entered into arrangements with Al-Shabaab that, according to the statement, facilitated the movement of federal forces toward Baidoa.
No evidence was provided to support the claim, and the Federal Government has not publicly responded to the allegation.
The statement further claimed that federal military operations have been ongoing for the past six months and accused aircraft described as Cessna planes of carrying out airstrikes in villages near Baidoa, including Hartiqaale, Eeldoon, Ceel Ka Naho, Saydheelow, and Sanga Gali.
According to Laftagareen’s camp, the strikes resulted in civilian casualties and livestock losses. These claims have not been independently verified.
The former South West leader’s camp also referenced a recent attack in Doolow district, Gedo region, alleging that Turkish-operated F-16 fighter jets were involved in an operation targeting General Mahad Abdirahman Abdi, commonly known as General Shub.
The allegation has not been independently confirmed, and neither the Turkish government nor Somali authorities have publicly substantiated the claim.