Thursday, June 11, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -The Commander of Baidoa Airport, Lieutenant Colonel Musdhaf Mohamed Qoomaal, along with troops under his command, has officially joined forces stationed on the outskirts of Baidoa that are aligned with former South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen.”
The development comes amid a series of reported defections in recent days, with several soldiers allegedly leaving their positions to join the Laftagareen-backed forces operating around the city.
The move follows growing political and security tensions in South West State, where rival administrations continue to contest authority and influence. One administration operates from within Baidoa with the support of the Federal Government of Somalia, while another faction aligned with Laftagareen maintains a presence on the city’s outskirts following previous confrontations and an extended political impasse.
Observers say the latest defection highlights the deepening political divisions within the region and underscores the ongoing struggle for legitimacy and control between competing political factions.
The situation remains fluid, with concerns that further defections or political escalation could heighten instability in and around Baydhabo