The fighting reportedly erupted after government forces attempted to disperse armed groups and opposition supporters gathered in parts of Baidoa amid escalating political tensions surrounding local administration and Somalia’s ongoing electoral disputes.

Witnesses said intense gunfire broke out shortly after dawn in several neighborhoods of the city, including areas near key roads and government facilities, causing panic among residents and forcing businesses to close temporarily.

Local residents reported seeing bodies lying on the streets following the clashes before they were later collected by relatives, local authorities, and emergency teams. Several other people were reportedly injured and taken to hospitals across Baidoa for treatment.

Although officials have not yet released an official casualty figure, local sources said both security personnel and armed opposition fighters were among those killed and wounded during the confrontation.

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The post BREAKING: Heavy Fighting Erupts in Baidoa as Laftagareen Forces Seize Four Military Bases appeared first on Kaab TV.

Last week, heavy fighting broke out on the outskirts of Baidoa between forces loyal to Laftagareen and federal government troops that took control of the city in March.

The Federal Government of Somalia said two senior officers commanding units of the Turkish-trained Gorgor forces were among those killed in the clashes.

Sources close to Laftagareen’s forces said they carried out ground operations in villages surrounding Baidoa and warned local residents not to cooperate with troops stationed in the city, whom they described as “forces deployed from Mogadishu and occupying the area by force.”

The ongoing tensions in Baidoa stem from a long-running political dispute over the leadership of South West State, particularly delays in elections and disagreements between the Laftagareen administration and politicians backed by the federal government.

In March, Laftagareen’s administration withdrew from Baidoa and established its base in Nairobi.

The crisis intensified after reports emerged of plans to establish a new South West leadership, a move strongly opposed by Laftagareen supporters, who view it as an attempt to undermine the existing administration.

An election held in Baidoa, whose official results have yet to be announced, has fueled speculation that Villa Somalia intends to hand power to Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madobe, the Speaker of Somalia’s Parliament and an ally of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Forces loyal to Laftagareen operating outside Baidoa said they would continue their military operations, claiming they are resisting “an attempt to seize control of the city.”

Meanwhile, security concerns among residents are growing, with some families reportedly beginning to flee Baidoa for nearby villages to avoid further fighting.

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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.

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