Tuesday, June 2, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Armed fighters loyal to a rival Southwest State faction attacked a military base on the outskirts of Baidoa tonight, according to security sources and officials who spoke to Baidoa Online.
The attack targeted Daafuur, a military installation located on the outskirts of the city. Witnesses and security officials said fighting broke out after the attackers launched an assault on the base, triggering an exchange of gunfire between the opposing sides.
Authorities said the situation has since returned to normal, with security forces regaining control of the area. No official casualty figures have been released, and it remains unclear whether there were any injuries or significant damage resulting from the clashes.
The latest fighting underscores the ongoing political and security tensions in Southwest State, where two rival administrations continue to claim legitimacy.
One administration, backed by the Federal Government of Somalia, operates from Baidoa and remains in control of the regional capital. The rival faction, associated with former Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed "Laftagareen," was previously forced out of the city and has since established military positions on the outskirts of Baidoa.
Security observers say the presence of rival forces around the city continues to create a volatile environment, raising concerns about the potential for further confrontations.
Despite tonight's incident, residents reported that calm had largely returned to Baidoa by late evening, with normal activities resuming after the clashes ended.
Authorities have not yet issued a detailed official statement on the attack, and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.