Somalia: Somali Military Denies Laftagareen Forces Have Captured Baidoa

What the report says

Somalia’s military has rejected claims that forces loyal to former South West State president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen captured Baidoa after fighting in the city on Monday. In a statement reported by Shabelle and distributed by AllAfrica, the army said its troops repelled an early-morning attack and prevented the armed group from taking key positions.

The clashes were reported in several parts of Baidoa, including the Towfiiq neighbourhood. Residents described hearing heavy weapons and explosions, and social media videos appeared to show Laftagareen-aligned fighters in parts of the city. The article noted that the footage had not been independently verified, and the competing claims from both sides could not be immediately confirmed.

Laftagareen’s supporters said their fighters had made gains and controlled parts of Baidoa, while the military described the attackers as “Khawaarij,” a term Somali officials often use for Islamist insurgents. The fighting comes amid a longer dispute over control of South West State. The report says Laftagareen was removed from office in March after federal forces and allied local fighters entered Baidoa, though he later رفضed the change in leadership and continued to contest the new administration.

The episode has renewed concern about civilian safety and stability in Baidoa, the regional capital of South West State. Independent verification of the battlefield situation was not available in the report.