The Battle for Control of Baidoa Intensifies

Baidoa, Somalia (WDN) — Heavy fighting has erupted early this morning in and around Baydhaba between forces loyal to former Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen and troops aligned with the Federal Government of Somalia, as the battle for control of the strategic city enters another dangerous phase.

Reports from Baidoa indicate that Laftagareen-aligned forces launched attacks on federal government positions in and on the outskirts of the city, triggering exchanges of heavy gunfire and other weapons. The sound of heavy weapons has reportedly been heard across all parts of Baydhaba, raising fears among residents already traumatized by months of political tension and armed confrontation. At the time of this writing, the locals are reporting Turkish F16 planes flying over the city adding another layer of anxiety to the already traumatized civilians.

A spokesman for Laftagareen’s forces, Ugas Hassan Abdi Mohamed, said in a recorded video that Southwest State forces had launched an operation against federal positions and that fighting was continuing.

He urged residents to remain inside their homes while the fighting continued and called on federal and Southwest Darwish forces to surrender, promising that those who laid down their weapons would be treated well. The extent of casualties remains unclear.