BAIDOA, Somalia, June 21, 2026- Heavy fighting erupted on Sunday morning in areas outside Baidoa after forces aligned with the South West State administration launched an operation against fighters loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Lafta Gareen, according to local residents and security sources.
The clashes began in the Iidow Dhogool area on the outskirts of Baidoa and were continuing into the day, residents said. Witnesses reported hearing sustained gunfire and explosions as both sides exchanged fire using various types of weapons.
The latest confrontation highlights growing tensions within South West State, where rival political factions have remained at odds over leadership, governance, and control of the regional administration.
According to local residents, fighting started shortly after dawn when forces backing the current South West State administration, which is supported by Somalia’s Federal Government, moved against positions held by fighters loyal to Lafta Gareen.
Security sources said the clashes were concentrated in the Iidow Dhagaal area extending toward Garas Raabal, where intense clashes have been reported in multiple waves, according to local residents and security sources., the administrative capital of South West State. Residents in nearby communities reported hearing heavy gunfire throughout the morning.
There was no immediate official statement regarding casualties or damage resulting from the fighting. Independent verification of battlefield claims remained difficult as the situation continued to develop.
The confrontation comes less than a day after senior figures associated with Lafta Gareen’s faction released videos from locations outside Baidoa. In those recordings, they declared their intention to enter the city in the coming days and issued statements challenging the authority of the administration currently operating in Baidoa.
Observers say Sunday’s fighting appears linked to those developments and reflects the deepening political dispute that has divided the region.
Political Rivalry Behind the Conflict
The conflict 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 the Federal Government of Somalia. 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 intensified after disagreements over electoral processes and the future political direction of the regional state. Both sides have accused each other of undermining stability, although each maintains that its actions are intended to protect the interests of South West State.
According to political analysts familiar with the region, efforts to bridge the divide have produced limited results, leaving tensions unresolved and increasing the risk of renewed confrontations.
Security Concerns in Baidoa
Residents in Baidoa have expressed growing concern over the possibility that the fighting could spread closer to the city.
Baidoa serves as one of Somalia’s most important regional capitals and hosts government institutions, humanitarian agencies, and security facilities. Any deterioration in security conditions could affect civilian movement, aid operations, and commercial activity.
Community leaders have urged restraint from all parties and called for dialogue to prevent further violence.
Several residents contacted by local media said they were closely monitoring developments amid fears that additional armed groups could be mobilized if the situation escalates.
South West State has experienced recurring political disputes over the past several years, particularly surrounding questions of leadership and elections.
Lafta Gareen previously served as president of the regional state and remained a significant political figure with loyal supporters across parts of Bay and Bakool regions. Political disagreements involving his supporters and rival factions have periodically generated tensions in and around Baidoa.
The city has also been at the center of broader debates concerning federal and regional authority, making it one of Somalia’s most politically sensitive locations.
Security analysts note that divisions within regional political structures have at times complicated efforts to maintain stability and address broader security threats facing the region.
As fighting continued on Sunday, there were no indications that either side had secured a decisive advantage.
Officials have yet to release comprehensive information regarding casualties, territorial control, or the duration of the operation. Security sources said the situation remained fluid and could change rapidly depending on developments on the ground.
Local elders and community representatives are expected to intensify efforts to prevent further escalation and encourage dialogue between the rival factions.
The outcome of the confrontation could have significant implications for political stability in South West State, particularly as tensions over leadership and governance continue to shape the region’s security environment.
The latest clashes underscore the fragile political situation in South West State and the continuing challenges facing Somalia’s federal system. Armed confrontations between rival political factions risk undermining local stability and diverting attention from broader security priorities.
For residents of Baidoa and surrounding communities, prolonged instability could disrupt daily life, economic activity, and humanitarian operations. The developments will likely be closely watched by federal authorities, regional leaders, and international partners concerned about security and governance in one of Somalia’s key regional states.
