Baydhabo: Government Forces and Laftagareen's Forces Clash

A heavy battle erupted this morning in Baydhabo, as troops supporting different political sides clashed.

Heavy gunfire was heard in parts of Baydhabo this morning after troops loyal to the former leader of South West State, Abdicasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, engaged in combat with the Federal Government forces inside the city.

BAYDHABO, Somalia — The situation in Baydhabo is very tense this morning, as a heavy battle took place between the Federal Government of Somalia forces and armed groups supporting the former leader of the South West administration, Abdicasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.

Witnesses in the city reported that heavy gunfire was heard in various neighborhoods, causing fear among civilians. Businesses were closed, and the movement of vehicles and people significantly decreased when the fighting began.

Preliminary reports indicate that the forces supporting Laftagareen entered the city from different directions, clashing with units of the Federal Government forces stationed in Baydhabo.

A businessman in the city told Reuters that the forces loyal to the former leader entered Baydhabo from two directions, and the fighting was intensifying. Reuters

Casualties Yet to be Confirmed

So far, independent confirmation of casualties from the fighting has not been obtained. Additionally, it is unclear which side fully controls the areas where the fighting occurred.

Reports from opposing sides contain various claims, but those claims have yet to receive independent verification.

Local residents have reported that at times the gunfire subsided, only to intensify again. There are also military movements in the city and fears that the fighting could spread to other neighborhoods.

Political Dispute Turned Armed Conflict

This fighting is rooted in a political dispute that has existed for some time between the Federal Government and the former administration of South West State.

Laftagareen resigned on March 30, 2026, after Federal Government forces took control of Baydhabo. This change was preceded by a political dispute related to elections, constitutional amendments, and the power-sharing between the Federal Government and regional states. Reuters

Although he has resigned, forces loyal to Laftagareen have carried out several attacks in and around Baydhabo in recent months. Laftagareen and his supporters continue to question the legitimacy of the political change that occurred in South West State.

Fear Among the Public

Civilians are the ones directly feeling the impact of the fighting. Many families are afraid that the recurring battles will force them to flee their homes, while the region has already been dealing with drought, conflicts, and difficult living conditions.

Residents of the city have been urged to avoid areas where the forces are clashing and to stay in their homes until the situation calms down.

Baydhabo is the temporary capital of the South West administration and is an important city for politics, security, and humanitarian operations in southern Somalia. A prolonged conflict could endanger the lives of civilians, businesses, and humanitarian aid.

The Federal Government and the side supporting Laftagareen have yet to release comprehensive and agreed reports on the casualties and the situation in the city.

The post Baydhabo: Government Forces and Laftagareen's Forces Clash first appeared on Radio Dalsan .