The security situation in Baidoa deteriorated again overnight after residents reported hearing heavy explosions, believed to be mortar rounds, along with gunfire from several parts of the city.
The shelling comes just days after some of the fiercest fighting Baidoa has witnessed in recent months, clashes that left people dead and wounded and forced some residents to flee their homes. The latest incident has renewed fears that the city could once again slide into a wider conflict.
Reports from Baidoa indicate that several mortar rounds landed near the South West State Presidential Palace, where senior officials were reportedly present at the time.
One federal government minister, Adan Madobe, who was at the presidential compound earlier in the evening, said mortar rounds struck areas around the facility.
The explosions reportedly caused panic among officials and civilians inside the compound, with some seeking shelter amid fears of further attacks.
However, the exact number of mortar rounds fired, their impact locations and any resulting casualties have not yet been independently verified.
In addition to the shelling, residents reported hearing gunfire from various neighborhoods across the city, further heightening tensions and uncertainty.
Many people remained indoors throughout the night, while normally busy streets were said to be largely deserted as fears of renewed fighting spread.
Traffic and commercial activity also declined significantly, with some businesses reportedly closing their doors due to security concerns. Public transport services were similarly affected as residents avoided unnecessary movement.
Some reports from the city claim that forces loyal to former South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen were involved in attacks and shelling targeting areas inside Baidoa.
Those reports have not been independently confirmed, and no official statement has yet been issued regarding responsibility for the overnight bombardment.
The latest violence is being linked to the long-running political and security dispute between the Federal Government and forces aligned with Laftagareen. The clashes that erupted on 17 August left significant casualties and further deepened tensions in the city.
For many residents, the sound of mortar fire overnight revived memories of the recent battles and reinforced fears that Baidoa could be heading toward another round of major fighting.
The possibility of renewed conflict remains the primary concern for civilians, who continue to bear the brunt of the city’s political and military instability.
As of this morning, Baidoa remains tense, with residents closely watching developments amid concerns that the shelling and gunfire could mark the beginning of a broader escalation in the already fragile security situation.