On Monday, Somali government troops successfully entered Baidoa after engaging in armed clashes with South West State security forces on the outskirts of the town. Videos from the town show Mr. Sadik Doodishe, the Commander appointed by the Somali Federal Government as Bay regional Police boss, leading troops through various parts of Baidoa. Additionally, Mr. Hassan Hussein Elay, the Minister of Livestock for the Somali Federal Government and an opposition politician against President Abdiasis Laftagaren, has also entered Baidoa. Elay had previously threatened to drive President Laftagaren and his administration out of the town within hours. According to a statement published in the state-run media of the Somali Federal Government, the security forces of the Somali government are currently conducting operations in Baidoa to ensure security, as the town was previously under the control of the South West State President. The Somali Federal Government has announced the official opening of the key road connecting Baidoa to Daynuunay, after their security forces engaged in armed clashes with Al-Shabab. The Ministry of Defense of Somalia has reported that the security forces loyal to President Laftagaren are surrendering in groups along with their combat vehicles. Details are unclear about the whereabouts of the South West State President, who was recently re-elected in Baidoa. There are conflicting reports about his condition, with some indicating that he is currently in the Presidential Palace being protected by Ethiopian troops under AUSSOM, while others say he has left Baidoa.
