Heavy fighting broke out this morning in Baidoa, the capital of the Bay region, with reports indicating that Southwest State Darawish forces loyal to former Southwest President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen” had reached the Afar Irdoodka area in the city center.
It remains unclear how these forces reached the area or whether they have seized locations or positions held by federal government troops.
Furthermore, there is no official information regarding casualties, and the situation at the battle sites—as well as the intensity of the confrontation—remains unclear.
According to sources in the city, the Federal Government of Somalia has deployed significant troop reinforcements to Baidoa. These forces were reportedly sent to support and defend the administration led by Adan Madobe.
Meanwhile, the former Southwest State Minister of Information, Ugaas Hassan, stated in a Facebook post that Southwest Darawish forces loyal to Laftagareen had attacked positions held by federal troops. He also urged the residents of Baidoa to remain in their homes due to the security situation and the ongoing fighting.
So far, there has been no official statement from the local administration or health facilities in Baidoa confirming the number of casualties resulting from the fighting, nor regarding any civilian displacement or damage to homes.
The situation in the city remains tense, and the sound of gunfire can still be heard; please stay tuned here for further updates.
