MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – Somalia’s President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, narrowly escaped a rocket attack by Al-Shabaab at Baidoa’s Shaati Gaduud Airport on Friday afternoon.
Hassan Sheikh, whose term in office is ending next month, had arrived in Baidoa from Mogadishu to begin meetings on establishing an administration for South West State of Somalia, following the departure of Cabdicasiis Laftagareen’s administration after the city was taken over by Federal Government forces and allied clan militias.
According to journalists present at Shaati Gaduud Airport, as Hassan Sheikh’s plane landed, up to three rockets were fired at the airport, endangering people on site.
One rocket struck the rear of the president’s plane, forcing the two pilots to move to a nearby control tower made of reinforced stone, according to an airport official who spoke to Kaab TV.
Two other rockets landed in the public waiting area and on the airport runway.
No casualties were reported from the attack.
Video shows black smoke as mortars fired by Al-Shabaab landed close to the runway at the Baidoa Shaati Gaduud Airport moments ago.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Baidoa on Friday after his forces took control of the city on Monday, expelling regional leader Abdiaziz… https://t.co/Kk5wazj34a pic.twitter.com/Wc3cwKiAOd
— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) April 3, 2026
President Hassan Sheikh, who was being welcomed at the airport, was quickly evacuated in armored vehicles directly to the South West State Presidential Palace.
Footage from the airport showed panic and confusion, with people fleeing and vehicles rushing out, as part of the convoy accompanying the president.
Officials from Baidoa Airport and the Office of the President of Somalia have not commented on the attack, which targeted an airport that had been considered secure for eight years, regularly used by international agencies, diplomats, and government officials.
This week, Baidoa entered a period of political transition after the departure of President Laftagareen’s administration, which had governed the city for seven years.
Federal Government forces and allied clan militias from the Mogadishu area captured Baidoa on Monday, 30 March, and since then, the city has been in a state of instability.
Residents told Kaab TV that clashes broke out on Thursday between two militias fighting over control of the Baidoa district administration building, resulting in deaths and injuries.
There have also been reports of targeted killings described as clan-based, involving individuals believed to be associated with Laftagareen’s former administration, raising concern among the local population.