MOGADISHU, Somalia, June 22, 2026- Political and security tensions in Baidoa, the capital of Somalia’s South West State, escalated on Monday after a group of troops reportedly defected from the administration operating in the city and joined forces loyal to Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Lafta Gareen) on the outskirts of Baidoa.
According to security sources and local officials, the troops were among the final members of a security unit linked to Abdulle Isxaaq, the commander of the 8th Brigade. The soldiers reportedly left their positions in Baidoa and moved to front-line areas controlled by forces aligned with Lafta Gareen.
The development comes as fighting and military mobilization continue around Baidoa, highlighting the deepening political crisis in South West Somalia and raising concerns about the possibility of further clashes in the region.
Troops Leave Baidoa and Join Lafta Gareen Camp
Security sources said the troops abandoned positions under the Baidoa-based administration before joining forces stationed outside the city under the command of leaders allied with Lafta Gareen.
The reported defection is being viewed as a significant shift in the ongoing struggle for political influence and control in South West State, where rival factions have remained divided over leadership and legitimacy.
Sources familiar with the situation said the arrival of the troops has strengthened positions held by Lafta Gareen supporters, who have repeatedly stated their intention to return to Baidoa and reassert their authority in the regional capital.
Fighting Reported Around Baidoa
The troop movement follows two days of reported clashes in and around Baidoa involving forces aligned with competing political camps.
The situation remains fluid, with residents closely monitoring developments amid fears that additional confrontations could occur.
South West State Political Crisis
The 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.
The dispute has dominated South West Somalia politics for months and has contributed to recurring security incidents, military deployments, and political uncertainty.
Analysts say the latest troop defections could increase pressure on both sides and further complicate efforts to reach a political settlement.
Concerns Over Security and Stability
Baidoa is one of Somalia’s most important regional cities and serves as the administrative center of South West State. Any escalation of fighting in or around the city could have broader implications for security, governance, humanitarian operations, and economic activity.
Community elders and local leaders have called for restraint and dialogue, warning that renewed conflict could place civilians at greater risk and disrupt daily life across the region.
The Federal Government has not yet issued a detailed statement regarding the reported troop defections or the latest military developments around Baidoa.
The reported movement of troops from Baidoa to Lafta Gareen’s forces marks one of the most significant developments in the ongoing South West Somalia political crisis in recent weeks.
Observers say the coming days will be critical as both camps assess their positions amid growing military activity around the city. Whether the rival factions pursue negotiations or move toward further confrontation may determine the future direction of the political and security situation in Baidoa and across South West State.
