Reports from Baidoa say that fierce fighting broke out which ensued between Somali National Army (SNA) backed by Southwest state defense forces and Al-Shabab fighters. The fighting lasted for several hours and took place in Burjeed settlement which lies in the outskirts of Baidoa in Bay region.
The fighting erupted after Al-shabab fighters launched an attack on the outposts that the Somali National Army (SNA) and Southwest state defense forces protect the security of Baidoa. The allied forces repulsed the attack and inflicted heavy defeat on Al-Shabab fighters.
The Commanders of the Somali troops who spoke to the media told that the Somali National Army (SNA) were aware of the raid that Al-Shabab fighters were about to launch and they were well-prepared and foiled the attack. Heavy weapons including artilleries were exchanged and caused heavy casualties on Al-Shabab fighters.
The Commanders said that most of Al-Shabab fighters were killed while others fled from the area. The exchange of heavy weapons and artilleries landed areas outside the battlefield which increased the anxiety among the local residents in Biadoa villages.
The situation is calm after the security forces managed to thwart the attack. Biadoa outposts are well-defended while Ethiopian troops who are part of AUSSOM have military bases in Bay and Bakool provinces in which they support the Southwest State defense forces particularly in trainings and providing military equipment.
It is not confirmed the role the Ethiopian troops are involved in the fighting, but they have a huge role when it comes to maintaining the security of the settlements. The fighting broke out after Al-Shabab fighters launched a planned attack on Burjeed settlement which lies more than 10 km East of Baidoa.
Officers expressed deep thanks and appreciations to the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Southwest State defense forces in which they showed bravery and military professionalism which gave the capability to thwart Al-Shabab raid and maintained the security of Biadoa.
