Friday , May 15, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -The Southwest State administration, aligned with former regional leader Cabdicasiis Xasan Maxamed (Laftagareen), has strongly denied any links to Al-Shabaab, stating that its security forces are legitimate, legally constituted, and mandated to combat armed groups it described as having “invaded” parts of the region.
In a statement, the administration said its forces are operating under legal authority and are actively engaged in operations against groups it considers a threat to regional stability.
It further accused Federal Government forces of carrying out what it described as a “military coup” in the city of Baidoa, alleging that federal troops have taken control of local governing authority structures in the area.