BAIDOA, Somalia — September 30, 2026 — Somalia’s federal government is reinforcing its military presence in Baidoa ahead of a planned operation against forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen,” security sources said on Wednesday.

The planned operation is expected to target Laftagareen-aligned Darawish forces positioned on the outskirts of Baidoa and in areas near the regional capital, the sources said.

Military officials held a meeting in Baidoa on Tuesday night to prepare for the operation, which is expected to involve Somali National Army troops, special forces, military vehicles and air support, according to security sources familiar with the preparations.

The deputy commander of the Somali National Army’s 60th Division, which is based in South West State, is expected to oversee the planned operation, the sources said.

Federal authorities have not issued a public statement on the operation or confirmed its start date. However, security sources said preparations were underway for an offensive later this week as the government seeks to strengthen security in and around Baidoa.

The operation comes after Laftagareen-aligned forces increased their presence in the suburbs of Baidoa and in some neighbourhoods near the city, raising concerns of further fighting in the regional capital.

Security sources said the federal government intends to move the forces away from positions around Baidoa and reduce the security pressure on government troops and the South West State administration.

Baidoa has remained under the control of federal forces and the regional administration since March, when Somali troops entered the city following a political and military dispute with Laftagareen’s administration.

Despite the March takeover, Laftagareen-aligned forces have continued to maintain positions outside the city and have carried out several attacks on federal and regional security positions in recent months.

According to security sources, a unit of Gorgor special forces and its military vehicles are expected to arrive in Baidoa on Wednesday as part of the latest reinforcement effort.

Additional flights carrying soldiers, weapons, ammunition and military equipment were also scheduled to arrive in the city, the sources said.

A cargo aircraft with the flight identification 7Q-STA arrived in Baidoa, according to the sources. The aircraft was reported to have transported military vehicles for the planned deployment.

Security sources said the government is also preparing to move 13 military vehicles and five Turkish-made armoured vehicles to Baidoa. The equipment is expected to strengthen the capacity of troops deployed in the city and nearby areas.

The arrival of troops and military equipment marks one of the largest reported reinforcement efforts in Baidoa since the latest round of fighting began this month.

The city experienced renewed violence on September 28 after forces loyal to Laftagareen launched attacks on federal positions in several parts of Baidoa.

Residents reported gunfire and explosions in several neighbourhoods as federal forces and regional security personnel responded to the attacks.

The fighting disrupted daily life across the city, with many residents remaining indoors while security forces took up positions at major roads, government buildings and key intersections.

Federal troops later restored security in the affected areas, while security patrols were increased in and around the city.

The latest confrontation followed earlier clashes on August 17, when heavy fighting between federal forces and Laftagareen-aligned fighters affected parts of Baidoa.

The August violence caused civilian casualties and injuries, while residents in several neighbourhoods were forced to leave their homes temporarily because of the fighting.

Another round of clashes took place on September 3, when government forces and fighters loyal to the former regional president exchanged fire near Baidoa.

Those incidents added to concerns about continued instability in South West State, where tensions over political authority have repeatedly led to armed confrontations.

The current military preparations are taking place as federal forces seek to prevent further attacks on Baidoa and secure the areas surrounding the city.

Baidoa is a major administrative and commercial centre in Somalia’s South West State. It also hosts a large number of displaced families who have fled drought, insecurity and conflict in other parts of the country.

Security officials said the planned operation is intended to secure roads leading into Baidoa and prevent armed groups from establishing positions near residential areas and government installations.

The wider crisis began earlier this year after disagreements emerged between the federal government and Laftagareen over elections, constitutional changes and the administration of South West State.

Laftagareen had opposed constitutional reforms supported by the federal government and was re-elected in a regional vote in March.

Federal forces entered Baidoa on March 30, leading to Laftagareen’s resignation and the establishment of a new administration backed by the federal government.

The administration led by Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur “Madobe” has since taken responsibility for governing South West State with the support of federal security forces in Baidoa.

However, forces loyal to Laftagareen have continued to challenge the administration’s authority and have remained active in areas outside the regional capital.

The dispute has become one of the most serious political and security challenges facing South West State this year.

The continued military deployments reflect the government’s concern that prolonged insecurity around Baidoa could affect the city’s administration, business activity and humanitarian operations.

Local residents said the latest arrival of troops and military vehicles has increased security activity in the city, particularly around major government offices, military bases and entry points.

Residents also reported seeing increased patrols by federal troops and regional security forces on roads connecting Baidoa to nearby districts.

The presence of additional forces is expected to improve security around the city as authorities prepare for the planned operation.

For civilians, the main concern remains the possibility that further fighting could affect residential areas and disrupt transport, markets and access to essential services.

Baidoa has repeatedly faced the effects of political disputes and armed clashes, even as it continues to serve as an important centre for displaced communities and humanitarian assistance.

The planned operation signals that the federal government is moving to strengthen its position in South West State after months of intermittent fighting.

The deployment of Gorgor forces, military vehicles and air support indicates that the government is preparing for a significant security operation aimed at restoring greater control around Baidoa.

As reinforcements continue to arrive, security forces are expected to remain on alert across the city and surrounding areas in the coming days.

The situation in Baidoa remains tense, with authorities focused on preventing further attacks and maintaining security in the regional capital as preparations for the operation continue.