# Somali political and security instability

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/somali-political-and-security-instability
> Updated: 2026-08-17T09:27:13.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

Somalia continues to face heightened political and security instability, particularly in Baidoa, the capital of South West State. Recent fierce fighting erupted as federal government troops clashed with militias loyal to ousted leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen. The pre-dawn assault involved heavy weaponry and vehicles laden with explosives. While federal forces reported killing approximately 30 attackers and regaining control, the Laftagareen administration disputed these claims, asserting their fighters had captured parts of the city center. The Somali government has further accused Laftagareen’s forces of operating alongside the militant group al-Shabaab.

The human toll of the Baidoa clashes has been significant. Medical officials at Bay Regional Hospital reported at least four civilian deaths and 98 injuries, including women and an elderly man. The hospital, facing shortages of medicine and bed capacity, was forced to utilize emergency tents to manage the influx of casualties.

Regional tensions persist in Puntland, where authorities are consolidating security by absorbing personnel previously aligned with politician Mohamud Mashruuc into formal structures. Puntland officials have accused the Federal Government of attempting to destabilize the region, with Minister Mohamud Ayid Dirir alleging a plot to create chaos in Galkayo involving personnel currently in Galmudug.

These conflicts are rooted in a broader political crisis following constitutional amendments by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud that extended his term and altered power-sharing arrangements. This has intensified friction between Mogadishu and various regional administrations, compounded by domestic criticism from former Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire regarding economic decline, inflation, and rising poverty.

## Claims

- Federal troops regained control of Baidoa after driving out opposition forces. (disputed by 8 sources)
- Spokespersons for Laftagareen claimed his forces had captured the city center. (disputed by 4 sources)
- Somali federal forces killed approximately 30 attackers during the clashes. (corroborated by 7 sources)
- The Somali government accused forces loyal to Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen of allying with al-Shabab militants. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The militia attack involved the use of vehicles laden with explosives. (corroborated by 4 sources)
- The political conflict stems from constitutional amendments that extended President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s term. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- At least four civilians were killed and 98 people were wounded in the fighting. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The fighting caused an influx of casualties that overwhelmed local medical facilities in Baidoa. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The clashes began early Monday morning with explosions near military bases. (corroborated by 2 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-17: Baidoa clashes: Somali federal forces regain control after fighting with regional loyalists

Somali federal troops have regained control of Baidoa after intense clashes with forces loyal to ousted regional leader Abdiaziz Laftagareen, leaving dozens dead and nearly 100 wounded.

10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/somali-federal-troops-clash-with-opposition-forces-in-baidoa

### 2026-08-15: Somalia faces rising political and security tensions

Somalia faces escalating political instability as clashes erupt in Baidoa, Puntland integrates political security forces, and former leadership criticizes the current administration's economic performance.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/somalia-faces-rising-political-and-security-tensions

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Cite as: Somali political and security instability. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/somali-political-and-security-instability