Thursday , May 21, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Heavy fighting has been reported in the Iidow Dhegaal area on the outskirts of Baidoa, as security tensions continue to escalate across the region.
Iidow Dhegaal is located close to Ceel-doon, the area where two brigade commanders were recently killed during previous clashes and military operations.
The latest fighting comes after forces of the Somali National Army stationed in Baidoa carried out security operations and military movements in recent hours amid growing instability in and around the town.
Local sources reported hearing heavy gunfire and the use of different types of weapons, although the exact number of casualties has not yet been officially confirmed.
Security conditions in Baidoa and the wider Bay region have deteriorated in recent days due to increasing mobilization by rival forces and rising political tensions linked to the administration of Southwest State.