BAIDOA, Somalia, June 20, 2026- Heavy troop movements have been reported in Baidoa, the administrative capital of Somalia’s Southwest State, as armed units aligned with the regional administration and forces linked to former President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Lafta Gareen increase their presence on the outskirts of the city. Local residents report growing fear and movement away from affected neighborhoods amid rising tension.
According to local residents and security sources in Baidoa, heavily armed troops loyal to the Southwest State administration, reportedly supporting federal government positions, were seen mobilizing across different parts of the city on Thursday night.
At the same time, armed units described by local sources as loyal to former Southwest President Abdiasis Lafta Gareen have been approaching Baidoa from the southern and western outskirts. Witnesses said these movements have created a tense security atmosphere across the city.
Residents reported that many families began leaving their homes earlier in the evening, fearing they could be caught in possible clashes between the opposing armed groups. Some neighborhoods on the outskirts were described as increasingly quiet as people moved toward safer areas inside the city.
Security sources said both sides have been reinforcing positions in areas surrounding Baidoa, though there has been no independent confirmation of direct fighting inside the city as of late Thursday night.
local residents and community leaders said the situation has already had an immediate humanitarian impact, with civilians leaving their homes and business activity slowing down in several parts of Baidoa.
Humanitarian observers in the region warn that continued troop mobilization around populated areas could increase risks for civilians, especially if tensions escalate into armed confrontation.
Officials from the Southwest State administration have not yet issued a detailed public statement regarding the latest troop movements. However, security sources aligned with the administration said forces are positioned to maintain stability and prevent any disruption to order in Baidoa.
Sources close to the regional security apparatus described the deployment as precautionary, aimed at safeguarding key installations within the city.
There has also been no immediate official response from representatives associated with former President Lafta Gareen regarding the reported movements of his aligned forces toward Baidoa.
Conflict in Baidoa is taking place against the backdrop of a prolonged political standoff in South West State.
One administration continues to operate from Baidoa with support from Somalia's Federal Government.
Meanwhile, a rival faction loyal to Lafta Gareen has remained positioned outside the city following previous confrontations and disagreements over political legitimacy and regional leadership.
Political tensions within Somalia’s Southwest State have been ongoing since the conclusion of Lafta Gareen’s presidency, with competing political and security alignments emerging between regional authorities and opposing factions.
Baidoa, the interim administrative capital, has previously experienced periods of heightened political tension linked to leadership disputes, security control, and alignment with federal government structures.
In recent days, local sources say mobilization activities by armed groups aligned with different political actors have increased in areas surrounding the city, contributing to uncertainty among residents.
Security analysts note that Baidoa remains a strategically important city in southwestern Somalia, both politically and militarily, making it sensitive to shifts in local power dynamics.
The situation in Baidoa remains fluid, with both sides reportedly maintaining armed presence around the city. Security sources say further movements are possible overnight, depending on developments on the ground.
Local elders and community leaders are expected to attempt mediation efforts if tensions continue to rise. Residents remain concerned about the possibility of armed confrontation if the situation is not contained.