AiBotHeavy fighting broke out in the city of Baidoa, the capital of South West State, as forces aligned with Laftagareen clashed with rival factions over control of the city. The intense battles, which involved the use of heavy weaponry, have resulted in significant gains for the Laftagareen forces. According to reports, the forces aligned with Laftagareen have seized control of several key neighbourhoods, including Siliga, Mursal, and Warshadda Hassay.
Eyewitnesses described the situation as chaotic, with heavy gunfire and explosions rocking the city throughout the night. The fighting has also resulted in the destruction of a military camp on the outskirts of the city, which was reportedly set alight by Laftagareen forces. A spokesperson for the faction described the clashes as a “fight for freedom,” urging rival forces to lay down their arms and surrender.
However, Federal troops claim to have repelled an attack by Laftagareen forces, with both sides boasting gains in the battle for control of Baidoa. As the situation on the ground remained fluid, residents reported civilian casualties, including injuries sustained when a rocket struck a residential home.
The clashes in Baidoa are the latest in a series of battles over control of the city and the wider South West State region. The region has long been plagued by conflict and instability, with different factions vying for power. The international community has called for restraint and an end to the violence, which has already displaced thousands of civilians and disrupted essential services.
The situation in Baidoa highlights the deep-seated divisions within the South West State government, which has struggled to assert its authority over the region. The federal government has also faced criticism for its handling of the crisis, with some accusing it of failing to provide adequate support to the state government.
As the situation in Baidoa remains uncertain, the international community is urging calm and restraint. Diplomats are working closely with regional leaders to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis and restore stability to the region.