Lafta-gareen issues shocking statement following today's battle in Baydhaba

Baydhaba (Caasimada Online) – The former president of South West State, Abdikadir Hassan Mohamed Lafta-gareen, has accused the Turkish government of conducting airstrikes with F-16 fighter jets in the city of Baydhabo, while heavy fighting was ongoing in the city on Tuesday.

A press release from Lafta-gareen's office today, dated September 28, stated that six missiles were fired inside and around Baydhaba, which he said caused deaths, injuries, and property damage.

Lafta-gareen directly accused the federal government and President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of responsibility for the attacks, stating that the Turkish F-16 aircraft were used in the fighting that took place today in Baydhaba.

He also accused the federal government of wanting to cripple the power and economic infrastructure of South West State, although the press release did not provide independent evidence showing where the missiles landed, who directly fired them, or the number of casualties and injuries.

The accusation regarding the F-16 aircraft came as AFP reported that fighter jets and drones were used in the fighting in Baydhaba.

Local residents who spoke to AFP also stated that they saw or heard airstrikes that they described as coming from Turkish aircraft, but it has not been independently verified who carried out those strikes.

Lafta-gareen has also praised his militia, whom he referred to as the Daraawiishta forces, stating that they conducted an operation in Baydhaba where they confronted troops stationed in the Salbalaar and Afbalaar areas.

He mentioned that the operation ended "successfully," and significant losses were inflicted on the opposing forces.

The federal government and the South West administration led by Sheikh Aadan Maxamed Nuur Madoobe also provided a different report, stating that government forces repelled an attack launched on the city.

Both sides claimed victories in the battle on Monday.

The fighting erupted in the morning when forces loyal to Lafta-gareen entered parts of Baydhaba, where they clashed with federal government troops and those of Sheikh Aadan Madoobe's administration.

Shelling, heavy gunfire, and explosions were heard in many neighborhoods before the situation calmed down in the late afternoon.

The conflict in South West has been ongoing since federal government forces took control of Baydhaba in March, following a political dispute between the central government and Lafta-gareen.

Lafta-gareen later revived his claim to the presidency, rejecting the administration of Sheikh Aadan Madoobe recognized by the federal government.

Several confrontations have occurred since then in Baydhaba, as the political dispute increasingly turns into an armed conflict between the two sides.