Heavy Security Operation Underway as Laftagareen’s Forces Move Into Baidoa Outskirts Archives - Kaab TV

BREAKING: Heavy Fighting Erupts in Baidoa as Laftagareen Forces Seize Four Military Bases

Staff Reporter — Fri, 22 May 2026 06:28:02 +0000

Baidoa (Kaab TV) – Heavy fighting broke out in the city of Baidoa on Wednesday after forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Laftagareen reportedly moved into the city and seized several strategic military positions.

According to local sources who spoke to Kaab TV, the South West State forces aligned with Laftagareen entered Baidoa earlier in the day amid rising political and security tensions in the region. The sources said the forces quickly took control of four military camps that had recently been occupied by troops of Somalia’s Federal Government.

The bases reportedly captured include Iidow Dhagaale, Xanaano 2, Ban Qayaame, and the Xaro Tuurka area, all considered key security locations on the outskirts and inside parts of Baidoa.

Residents in Baidoa reported hearing sustained heavy gunfire and explosions across several neighborhoods as clashes intensified between the opposing sides. Civilians told Kaab TV that fear and panic have spread throughout the city, with many families remaining indoors as the fighting continues.

“The sound of gunfire is everywhere, and people are extremely frightened,” one resident said by telephone. “We do not know how far the fighting will spread.”

The latest violence comes amid escalating political disputes surrounding the leadership and administration of South West State, as tensions continue to grow between forces loyal to Laftagareen and troops supporting the Federal Government.

So far, there are no confirmed reports regarding casualties or the full extent of the damage caused by the clashes. Neither the Federal Government nor representatives of Laftagareen have officially commented on the situation.

Security analysts warn that continued fighting in Baidoa could further destabilize the region and worsen the already fragile political situation in Somalia.

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Heavy Security Operation Underway as Laftagareen’s Forces Move Into Baidoa Outskirts

Staff Reporter — Thu, 21 May 2026 10:58:10 +0000

BAIDOA (Kaab TV) – Forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen say they have launched operations in areas outside the city of Baidoa following deadly clashes that erupted near the city last week.

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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