Hundreds of South West State security forces, and who are not supportive of the political change that took place in Baidoa, have regrouped in Awdiinle settlement in Bay region. The settlement is situated in between Baidoa and Berdaale, and is located 30 km west of Biadoa. The security forces along with scores of combat vehicles have established military bases in the settlement, flanked by officials and officers of the deposed South West State President, Mr. Abdiasis Mohamed Hassan known as Lafatgaren. Reliable sources say that these security forces are among the personal security guards of the ousted President, Lafatagaren, members of Dervish forces and armed militia men who are next kin of the former South West State President who was forced to resign from the office. No one knows what the fate of the security forces will be, but reports indicate that efforts are underway to bring them back to Baidoa. Somali Military Forces on Monday took control of Baidoa, which paved the way for the removal of Abdiasis Laftagaren, after serving seven years as President of South West State President. Somali Federal Government officials who lauded the political change that took place in Baidoa, said that they will not allow violence and retaliation to take place in the town. The Somali Prime Minister on Monday said that the Somali Federal Government assured the security and added that it is in the hands of the armed forces. Additionally, the Somali Prime Minister, Hamze Abdi Barre, who released a press statement, announced the appointment of Jibril Abdirashid Haji Abdi, who is the Second Deputy Prime Minister as the interim leader of South West State to lead the transition period. He served as the defense and commerce minister.
