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Heavy clashes rock Baidoa as Somali federal troops and loyalists of former South West State leader Abdiaziz Laftagareen battle for control of the regional capital, marking a sharp and violent escalation in an ongoing political crisis. The pre-dawn military confrontation brought heavy gunfire and explosions to several neighborhoods, forcing terrified residents to remain indoors while armed units and technical vehicles maneuvered through city streets. The violence stems from a deep political rift following the leadership transition that installed Sheikh Adan Madobe as the regional president with backing from Mogadishu, replacing the administration of former leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
Spokespersons representing the Laftagareen-aligned faction claimed their forces advanced deep into the city center during the assault, issuing calls for federal government soldiers to surrender. In contrast, the Ministry of Defense and regional officials maintained that the Somali National Army successfully repelled the offensive, asserting that dozens of attacking fighters were neutralized. Independent verification of exact casualty numbers and current territorial control remains difficult due to localized communications disruptions and fluid security conditions on the ground. Medical facilities in the area have reported receiving wounded non-combatants caught in the crossfire, compounding humanitarian concerns in a region already sheltering thousands of displaced persons.
The latest outbreak of violence highlights the persistent fragility of governance structures across South West State and the broader challenges facing federal integration efforts. Regional cabinet members recently responded to the security breach by officially designating the opposing faction as a threat to public safety, urging heightened coordination between federal and local security apparatuses. International observers and humanitarian agencies have expressed deep concern over the safety of civilians in Baidoa, warning that prolonged instability threatens critical aid operations for vulnerable populations across southern Somalia. As political leaders and military commanders weigh their next steps, the path toward lasting stability in the regional hub remains deeply uncertain amid competing claims of legitimacy and ongoing security operations.