Somalia: Clashes erupt outside Baidoa between federal troops and forces loyal to ousted SouthWest leader

BAIDOA, Somalia — Fighting erupted on the outskirts of Baidoa after forces loyal to the ousted South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen attacked positions held by Somali federal government troops, security sources and residents said Friday.

The clashes took place near the southwestern city of Baidoa, heightening political and security tensions in the region amid an ongoing dispute over the leadership of South West State.

Residents said the confrontation began when fighters aligned with Laftagareen launched assaults on bases occupied by forces of the Federal Government of Somalia.

There was no immediate official confirmation of casualties, and neither Somali federal authorities nor South West State officials had publicly commented on the fighting.

Witnesses said tensions remained high in and around Baidoa, with fears that the violence could spread further. The Somali government held a disputed election in the city, for which the results have not yet been announced. 

Laftagareen was ousted from office on March 30 after weeks of political deadlock and military confrontations with the Federal Government of Somalia over disputed South West State elections.

The former regional leader, who is currently in Kenya, has insisted that he remains the legitimate president of South West State and vowed to return to Baidoa.

Sources close to the situation said forces loyal to Laftagareen have been gathering on the outskirts of the city in recent weeks, raising concerns over renewed conflict in the region.

GAROWE ONLINE