Renewed Clashes Erupt in Southwestern Somalia Between Government and Militias
Doctors said 24 wounded civilians and one dead were taken to Bay Regional Hospital as government forces battled militias.
- On Thursday, Somali federal forces repelled an attack on Baidoa, a southwestern city about 245 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu, with the government describing the assailants as an "alliance of terrorists."
- Disputes between Somalia's federal government and forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen over control of the region have intensified, with rival sides mobilizing forces around Baidoa.
- Dr. Abdikafi Omar Mohamud of Bay Regional Hospital reported receiving 24 wounded and one dead civilian, while resident Abdullahi Haji fled his home after hearing heavy gunfire and stray bullets.
- The government stated "the assessment to establish the losses suffered by the attacking militias is currently underway," while Thursday's fighting risks further worsening security tensions in South West State.
- Defense Ministry reports indicate fighters included members of the al-Qaida-linked group al-Shabab, echoing clashes last month in and around Baidoa that left at least four civilians dead and 98 others wounded.
25 Articles
25 Articles
Laftagaren forces attack Somali army positions in Baidoa again
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Heavy fighting erupted in Baidoa on Thursday after forces loyal to ousted Southwest State President Abdiasis Laftagaren attacked the city from multiple directions, seizing two federal army bases on its outskirts before entering the town and engaging government troops in fierce gun battles that lasted for hours. Laftagaren’s Darwish forces entered Baidoa […]
Associated Press News
Fighting erupts in southwestern Somalia between government and militias
Fighting has erupted between government forces and militias near Somalia’s southwestern city of Baidoa.
Fighting Erupts in Baidoa After Forces Loyal to Former South West State Leader Enter City – Axadle
Baidoa (AX) — Clashes erupted in Baidoa early Thursday after forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen moved into the city, residents and videos circulated on social media reported. Residents said Laftagareen-aligned fighters entered Baidoa from multiple directions before engaging South West State and federal government forces. Ugaas Hassan Abdi […]
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