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Somalia repels armed assault on Baidoa amid political tensions
Somalia’s military says it repelled an attack in Baidoa on Thursday amid conflicting reports from residents and opposition forces.
Somalia’s military says it repelled an attack by two armed groups in Baidoa early on Thursday. The assault occurred amid ongoing political tensions in South West State and conflicting accounts from residents and opposition spokespeople.
Clashes reported in Baidoa
Somalia’s Defence Ministry stated that federal forces repelled an attack launched by militias loyal to former South West State Governor Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen. The ministry described the assault as beginning with explosions intended to terrorise civilians.
Conflicting accounts of the fighting
Witnesses told AFP that gunfire and explosions were heard across parts of the town, forcing residents to stay indoors. [TO VERIFY: duration and outcome of clashes] A spokesperson for pro-Laftagareen forces claimed parts of the city were captured and that fighting continued. Several residents later told AFP that Baidoa was calm after approximately six hours.
Background to the tensions
Laftagareen was removed by federal troops in March. He attempted to retake the state in May and clashed again with federal forces in August. Several Somali states oppose central control under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
Next steps
The ministry said it is investigating casualties and will release details once the assessment is complete. It also accused the groups of operating with al-Shabab, an allegation that remains unverified in the available reports.
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