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Clashes Erupt Near Baidoa Between SNA Forces and Fighters Loyal to Former Southwest Leader
BAIDOA, Somalia – Heavy fighting broke out near the southwestern Somali city of Baidoa overnight between government forces and fighters loyal to former Southwest State president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, known as Laftagareen, local sources said on Monday. The clashes reportedly began after forces aligned with Laftagareen attacked a checkpoint guarding access to the city, […]
Heavy fighting erupted near Baidoa between Somali National Army forces and fighters loyal to former Southwest State president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, known as Laftagareen.
What was announced
- Clashes began after Laftagareen's forces attacked a checkpoint guarding access to Baidoa.
- The fighting involved heavy and light weapons and lasted for a short period.
- Local residents reported casualties on both sides, though no official toll was available.
Context
The violence follows political tensions in Southwest State after federal government forces took control from Laftagareen's administration, leading to divisions among security forces.
Why this matters: This incident highlights ongoing political instability and conflict in Southwest State, which could impact security and governance in the region.

Original report with a saved translation · English
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BAIDOA, Somalia – Heavy fighting broke out near the southwestern Somali city of Baidoa overnight between government forces and fighters loyal to former Southwest State president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, known as Laftagareen, local sources said on Monday.
The clashes reportedly began after forces aligned with Laftagareen attacked a checkpoint guarding access to the city, the temporary capital of Southwest State. Witnesses said the exchange, involving heavy and light weapons, lasted for a short period before subsiding.
Local residents said both sides suffered casualties, although no official toll was immediately available.
The violence comes amid political tensions following recent changes in Southwest State, where federal government forces took control from the previous administration led by Laftagareen. The shift has reportedly split security forces, with some joining the new authorities while others remaining loyal to the former leadership.
Source noteWhy this story appears
This report is shown because it came from Warkasta’s monitored source network and matches the current section, recency, and coverage labels.
Why this story appears
This report is shown because it came from Warkasta’s monitored source network and matches the current section, recency, and coverage labels.
- Source count
- 1
- Sources used
- Shabelle Media
- Language mix
- English
- Translation status
- Shown in its original language
- AI synthesis
- No AI synthesis is used for this story panel
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