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Baidoa clashes: Somali federal forces regain control after fighting with regional loyalists
Fierce fighting erupted in Baidoa, Somalia, on Monday as federal government troops clashed with forces loyal to the ousted South West State president, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen. The assault, which reportedly involved vehicles laden with explosives, began before dawn and lasted several hours.
Somali officials stated that federal forces repelled the attack and killed approximately 30 militants. The government has accused Laftagareen’s forces of collaborating with the al-Qaeda-linked group al-Shabaab to destabilize the region. While Laftagareen’s camp initially claimed to have captured parts of the city center, federal troops have since regained full control.
The violence resulted in significant casualties. Medical officials at Bay Regional Hospital reported that at least four civilians were killed and 98 others were wounded, including 28 women. The hospital, already struggling with shortages of medicine and limited bed capacity, had to set up emergency tents to manage the influx of patients.
The clashes highlight deepening political tensions in Somalia, as regional leaders challenge President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s authority and proposed constitutional amendments. The conflict also poses a security risk, as resources diverted to internal fighting may weaken the national effort against the ongoing al-Shabaab insurgency.
Entities
Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen · Al-Shabaab · Baidoa · Hassan Sheikh Mohamud · Somali Federal Government · Somali National Army · South West State
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [DISPUTED] Spokespersons for Laftagareen claimed his forces had captured the city center. dominicanrepublicpost.com · mwanzotv.com · www.somaliguardian.com · www.timesofearth.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The fighting caused an influx of casualties that overwhelmed local medical facilities in Baidoa. mymotherlode.com · www.newsday.com
- [DISPUTED] Federal troops regained control of Baidoa after driving out opposition forces. dominicanrepublicpost.com · mwanzotv.com · mymotherlode.com · www.notiziegeopolitiche.net · www.arabnews.pk · +3 more
- [● 3 SOURCES] The political conflict stems from constitutional amendments that extended President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term. dominicanrepublicpost.com · www.notiziegeopolitiche.net · www.arabnews.pk
- [● 4 SOURCES] The militia attack involved the use of vehicles laden with explosives. dominicanrepublicpost.com · mwanzotv.com · www.notiziegeopolitiche.net · www.arabnews.pk
- [● 7 SOURCES] Somali federal forces killed approximately 30 attackers during the clashes. dominicanrepublicpost.com · mwanzotv.com · mymotherlode.com · www.notiziegeopolitiche.net · www.arabnews.pk · +2 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] At least four civilians were killed and 98 people were wounded in the fighting. mymotherlode.com · www.newsday.com
- [● 4 SOURCES] The Somali government accused forces loyal to Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen of allying with al-Shabab militants. dominicanrepublicpost.com · mwanzotv.com · www.spyuganda.com · somalilandstandard.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] At least four civilians were killed and 98 people were wounded during the fighting. mymotherlode.com · www.newsday.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The clashes began early Monday morning with explosions near military bases. mymotherlode.com · www.newsday.com