MOGADISHU – Violent clashes broke out on the outskirts of Baidoa, according to local residents and security sources, following a military operation carried out by forces of the South West State administration against positions allegedly held by fighters loyal to former regional president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Lafta Green).
Witnesses said the fighting began in the Ayedu Dagol area on the outskirts of Baidoa before spreading to nearby locations. Heavy gunfire and repeated explosions were reported as both sides exchanged fire using various types of weapons.
Local sources indicated that the confrontation began after South West State forces—reportedly backed by the federal government of Somalia—advanced toward areas controlled by the pro-Lafta Green faction, triggering direct armed clashes.
The fighting was mainly concentrated around Ayido Dagal and extended toward the Grass Rapal area, with intermittent gunfire continuing across several fronts throughout the morning, according to security sources.
No official casualty figures or damage assessments have yet been released, as ongoing fighting has made independent verification of the situation difficult.
The escalation comes less than 24 hours after images circulated online showing armed figures linked to Lafta Green outside Baidoa, in which they reportedly announced plans to advance toward the city in the coming days and issued warnings to regional authorities.
Observers say these developments directly contributed to the outbreak of violence, as political tensions between the two rival sides continue to intensify.
South West State has been experiencing prolonged political disputes between a federal government-aligned administration based in Baidoa and a rival faction supporting Lafta Green, amid disagreements over political legitimacy and governance.
Previous mediation efforts have failed, leaving the conflict unresolved and increasing the risk of further military escalation.
Baidoa remains strategically important, hosting key government, humanitarian, and security institutions and serving as a major operational hub for the Bay and Bakool regions. Any instability in the area therefore has wider implications for regional security.
Local community leaders have called for an immediate halt to the fighting and urged all parties to return to negotiations to prevent further escalation.
The situation remains tense, with uncertainty over whether the clashes will spread or subside in the coming hours.
