Armed clashes broke out in Biadoa, the administrative seat of Southwest State, on Saturday morning when troops loyal to the former ousted President, Mr. Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed (known as Laftagaren), entered parts of the city. Witnesses and sources from the region confirmed that the armed confrontations began early on Saturday morning when these troops attempted to enter the city, but were met with strong resistance from the Somali Federal Government troops who currently control Biadoa. Reports indicate that fighters loyal to the ousted leader briefly took control of certain villages in the city, particularly in the Bay region, but were eventually pushed back after hours of heavy fighting. The official number of casualties from the clashes is not yet known, but initial reports suggest that there were casualties among both the warring sides and civilians caught in the crossfire. Locals report that the situation is now calm and under control, with government troops patrolling major streets in Biadoa. Meanwhile, the troops who initiated the attack are currently stationed on the outskirts of Biadoa, where they are conducting troop movements and controlling the bases and areas from which they launched the raid. This attack occurred amidst preparations for the upcoming elections in Southwest State, including the Parliamentary Speaker and Presidential polls. Political tensions surrounding the elections have intensified, with both sides exchanging accusations and warnings. In addition, Somalia’s National Army Chief announced that the Somali Army successfully thwarted a cowardly attack by Al-Shabab on Saturday, targeting Baidoa, the administrative capital of Southwest State. In a statement issued by Somalia’s Military Command, it was reported that the troops effectively prevented the attack, resulting in heavy casualties and destruction of property for the enemy. The statement also mentioned that the groups responsible for the attack were dispersed both inside and outside the city, fleeing in a cowardly manner. The security forces are currently conducting operations to confirm the official number of casualties suffered by the enemy. The Somali Military Command assured the Somali people that they will release official details of the operation once the number of casualties has been confirmed and information from sources related to the enemy has been gathered. The Somali Military Command also commended the Somali army for their dedication in defending the nation, security, unity, and the existence of the Somali people. The Ministry of Interior and security officers in Southwest State, Somalia, have reported that government troops have successfully taken full control of security in Baidoa after heavy clashes on the outskirts on Saturday morning. State Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Sadaad Mohamed Aliyow, stated that armed troops launched an attack on Baidoa but were met with strong resistance from both the security forces and Federal troops. Minister Sadaad mentioned that the fighting took place in various locations inside and on the outskirts of Baidoa, and that the initial raiding troops were heavily defeated, with combat vehicles being confiscated. He added, “Their intention was to create chaos by entering the city, but the security forces prevented this and now there is stability in the city.” Bay regional Police Chief, Mr. Sadik Doodishe, reported that “militias and criminal groups” attempted to cause chaos in Baidoa, but the security forces quickly ended the assault. He also stated that the government troops have restored law and order and stability in the city, but declined to provide details on the number of casualties resulting from the clashes. The police chief confirmed that Federal troops have been deployed to Baidoa to reinforce security, but did not comment on the deaths and injuries resulting from the armed confrontations.
