Saturday , May 23, 2026 (Baidoa Online) - A spokesperson aligned with forces loyal to regional leader Lafta Gareen has said the group is preparing to “retake” Baidoa in the coming days, while urging fighters to avoid harming civilians during ongoing tensions around the city.
Speaking to armed fighters on the outskirts of Baidoa, the spokesman called on troops to maintain discipline and respect civilian lives if they enter the town.
“We are defending our territories and we will defeat the invading soldiers from Mogadishu soon,” the spokesman said. “Whatever they call us, we are fighting to liberate our land.”
The spokesman also denied that the conflict was aimed at creating wider divisions, insisting that the group’s objective was to regain control of the regional administration.
“We are not at war with one another. We are ready to bring our administration back into our own hands,” he added.
The remarks come amid rising tensions in Baidoa, where security incidents have increased in recent days, particularly during nighttime operations.
According to the spokesman, forces loyal to Lafta Gareen have carried out several attacks targeting positions held by troops deployed from Mogadishu. The group described the federal-aligned forces as “invaders” and claimed they would soon be removed from Baidoa.
The Somali federal government has not yet publicly responded to the latest statements.
Baidoa, a key political and administrative city in southwestern Somalia, has witnessed recurring political and security disputes linked to regional power struggles and disagreements between federal and regional authorities.
