Saturday , May 30, 2026 (Baidoa Online) -Around 400 armed troops who had been undergoing military training in Baidoa have reportedly defected to forces loyal to Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, according to internal sources familiar with the developments.
The reported defections came after pro-Laftagareen forces entered several parts of Baidoa earlier on Saturday amid escalating political and security tensions in the city.
Internal sources told that the troops, who were carrying their weapons, joined the Southwest State Dervish forces shortly after entering areas controlled by fighters aligned with the lafta gareen
The same sources said some of the trainees had previously moved alongside pro-Laftagareen forces during an earlier withdrawal from parts of Baidoa before later formally defecting.
Somali federal authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the reports.
Residents in Baidoa described the security situation as tense but relatively calm by Saturday evening, although concerns remain over the possibility of renewed confrontations between rival forces.