BAIDOA—According to reports from Baidoa, the administrative capital of the Bay region, heavy clashes broke out on Thursday morning when Southwest State Security forces raided the residence of Minister of Livestock, Forestry, and Rangeland, Hassan Hussein Mohamed, a member of the Somali Federal Government known as Hassan Elay. The fighting has continued for two days, with local sources stating that the situation quickly escalated and both sides used heavy weapons. Casualties, including deaths and injuries, have been reported on both sides. In an interview with Radio Dalsan, Minister Hassan Elay stated that the security forces loyal to Southwest State had raided his home and held Southwest State President Abdiasis Laftagaren responsible for the attack. He also expressed strong opposition to Laftagaren’s leadership. Local sources suggest that the fighting may be linked to a dispute over a piece of land in the livestock market in Baidoa. At a press conference in Baidoa, Southwest State Minister of Information Mohamed Ibrahim Ali Bilal addressed the armed clashes, stating that the security forces had successfully eliminated armed assailants who posed a threat to the residents of Baidoa. He emphasized that Southwest State will not tolerate insecurity in areas under its jurisdiction and that the security forces are prepared to maintain the safety and well-being of the people. However, he did not provide details on the casualties resulting from the clashes. During the operation and armed clashes, the movement of people and traffic came to a standstill, but Southwest State officials report that the situation is now calm. The Southwest State authority has reiterated its commitment to strengthening security and eliminating any group that threatens the peace and livelihood of the residents. Yesterday afternoon, clashes broke out between Southwest State security forces and soldiers loyal to an officer named Abdirahman Nishow, who was accused of causing instability and setting up illegal checkpoints.
