Sunday, May 31, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Forces loyal to former Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen), who continues to claim the presidency, have released video footage that they say shows military operations conducted in Baidoa on Saturday amid escalating tensions between rival administrations in Southwest State.
According to reports, Laftagareen-aligned forces advanced into parts of central Baidoa during the operation and briefly reached the city center before later withdrawing from the area.
Security sources told local media that at least 10 soldiers from the opposing sides were killed during 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 is backed by the Federal Government of Somalia and operates from Baidoa, while the rival faction led by Laftagareen was previously pushed out of the city and has since established military positions on the outskirts of Baidoa.
Analysts say the existence of competing administrations and armed forces has contributed to persistent instability in and around Baidoa, raising concerns about the potential for further violence and its impact on civilians.