BAIDOA (Kaab TV) – At least eight people were killed and several others injured in clashes between two militias at the Baidoa district headquarters in Baay region on Thursday.
The fighting began at the Baidoa district office, which had been taken over by a clan militia led by a man named Moallin Addow, who claimed to be the district commissioner of Baidoa without being officially appointed.
Another militia opposed to Moallin Addow’s claim launched an attack on his group, resulting in a brief but intense battle.
An official from the attacking group, Sadiiq Doodishe, stated that they seized 13 firearms and captured at least seven fighters who belonged to Moalim Addow’s militia.
The city of Baidoa has been in a state of instability since Monday, when the administration of President Abdiaziz Laftagareen withdrew and flew to Nairobi, Kenya.
Federal government forces, accompanied by clan militias from the Buurhakaba area, have since taken control of Baidoa.
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister of the Federal Government of Somalia issued a decree appointing his deputy, Jibriil Abdirashiid Haji Abdi, as the Acting Leader of the South West State of Somalia.