Heavy Fighting Erupts In Somalia As Government Forces Retake Baidoa

Fresh fighting has erupted in Somalia’s key city of Baidoa, with federal government forces clashing with fighters loyal to an ousted regional leader in a battle that reportedly involved Al-Shabaab militants.

The Somali government said troops loyal to former South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen attacked army positions in Baidoa early Monday with the support of Islamist insurgents.

According to the government, the assault began around 5:00am and involved vehicles loaded with explosives. It said security forces killed nearly 30 militants while repelling the attack.

Laftagareen’s administration, however, claimed its fighters captured parts of the city. Residents told AFP that the fighters were later pushed out as federal troops regained control.

One resident, Adan Nurey, described the fighting as intense, saying gunfire continued for several hours across different parts of Baidoa.

Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) confirmed that casualties were brought to hospitals in the city but said it could not provide an exact figure.

Another resident, Salad Ali, reported seeing bodies and said several people had been injured or captured.

The latest violence adds to Somalia’s political and security challenges, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud facing opposition from several regional states as his administration battles the long-running Al-Shabaab insurgency.

The president has also faced criticism over efforts to extend his mandate and difficulties in advancing plans for democratic elections amid deep political and clan divisions.