Somalia: Al Shabaab militants seize areas near Baidoa

Image

BAIDOA, Somalia-Dozens of Al Shabaab militants have poured into strategic areas near southwestern Baidoa town according to residents. 

Militants Monday seized Gofgadud Shabelow, 30km west of Baidoa right away after Somali government forces and African Union peacekeepers withdrew, Somalia’s Jowhar media has reported.  

Allied troops retreated to their bases on the outskirts of Baidoa, a day after Somali political leaders concluded National Leadership Forum (NLF) in the town. 

No clashes have been reported as militants moved in without resistance, sources added.  

Al Shabaab took back towns and villages in a similar peaceful strategy in the past.  

Officials have not spoken on the reasons behind the relocation of troops from Gofgadud which serves as a key connection between Qansah-Dhere, Ufurow and Diinsoor.

GAROWEONLINE 

Related Articles

Deni and Turkish Ambassador Discuss Somalia's Political and Security Landscape

Turkey remains a primary security and development partner for Somalia, maintaining its largest overseas military base in the capital, Mogadishu.

  • Somalia

    26-02-2026

  • 11:52AM

Somalia reaffirms solidarity with Kuwait in maritime border dispute with Iraq

The 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea governs international maritime boundaries.

  • Somalia

    26-02-2026

  • 07:29AM