Somali Government forces have clashed with troops loyal to ousted South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen in a fresh battle for control of the regional capital, Baidoa.
The federal government said the fighting erupted early Monday after Laftagareen’s forces attacked Somali army positions, allegedly with support from Al-Shabaab militants.
According to a government statement, the assault began at about 5:00 a.m. and involved vehicles loaded with explosives. Federal troops reportedly killed nearly 30 militants during the ensuing battle.
A spokesperson for Laftagareen’s administration claimed that his fighters briefly seized parts of Baidoa. However, residents told AFP that the forces were later pushed out of the city as federal troops regained control.
Resident Adan Nurey described the fighting as intense, saying the two sides exchanged fire across several parts of the city for hours.
“We saw both sides exchanging fire on some streets, and the fighting continued for several hours,” Nurey said by telephone, adding that Laftagareen’s forces eventually withdrew.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF), which operates medical facilities in Baidoa, confirmed that fighting had taken place and said several casualties had arrived at the hospital.
The organisation said it could not provide further details but noted that the clashes occurred on two fronts.
Another resident, Salad Ali, reported deaths, injuries and arrests during the confrontation.
“I saw several bodies on the road, although I could not determine the exact number,” he said.
The latest fighting deepens tensions between President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s federal government and regional authorities opposed to his administration.
Somalia remains deeply divided, with several regional states resisting greater control from Mogadishu, while the government continues its military campaign against Al-Shabaab, the Islamist militant group that controls parts of central Somalia.
The federal government removed Laftagareen as South West State leader in March and deployed troops to the region. Laftagareen later attempted to regain control of the state in May but failed.
President Mohamud has also been pushing to transition Somalia towards a system of direct democratic elections, replacing the longstanding model in which clan elders play a central role in selecting lawmakers and political leaders.
However, his administration has faced criticism over efforts to extend its mandate, while persistent insecurity, political divisions and clan rivalries have continued to hamper progress towards nationwide elections.
