BAIDOA, Somalia — Heavy fighting reportedly broke out in Baidoa early Monday between Somali government forces and armed groups allegedly aligned with former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
Preliminary reports indicate that the clashes began with explosions, followed by heavy gunfire in parts of the city. Residents reported hearing the sound of heavy weapons as government and South West State forces reportedly moved into defensive positions.
The fighting comes amid heightened political and security tensions in South West State, where disagreements between federal authorities and Laftagareen have continued.
Details regarding casualties, damage and the circumstances that triggered the latest clashes remain unclear. The reports have not yet been independently verified, and no official statement confirming the full extent of the fighting has been issued.
