Somalia: South West State issues civilian warning amid rising security tensions

BAIDOA, Somalia, Sept 13 — Authorities in Somalia’s South West state have warned civilians to stay away from areas where forces loyal to former regional president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen and al-Shabaab militants are operating, as the administration prepares military operations against the Islamist group.

South West Security Minister Isaaq Mohamed said on Saturday that security forces were preparing operations against al-Shabaab and would use airstrikes against militant positions.

“We are targeting al-Shabaab militants in the South West regions with airstrikes,” Isaaq said, urging residents to avoid areas where the militants and forces aligned with Laftagareen were present.

The warning comes amid growing political and security tensions in South West, where the regional administration backed by Somalia’s federal government is facing opposition from forces loyal to Laftagareen.

Al-Shabaab, an al Qaeda-linked militant group, continues to operate in parts of the state and remains capable of carrying out attacks despite sustained military operations against it.

Isaaq said civilians should exercise particular caution in areas where military activity was expected and avoid locations identified as potential targets.

The latest warning follows months of fighting and air operations around Baidoa, the capital of South West state.

Türkiye, a major security partner of Somalia’s federal government, has carried out several airstrikes in areas on the outskirts of Baidoa, according to Somali officials and local sources. The strikes have taken place as tensions between federal government-backed forces and Laftagareen supporters have intensified.

Türkiye has also been accused by Somali political and security figures of carrying out an airstrike on the home of General Mahad Abdirahman Aden, also known as Taliye Shub, in Doolow in the Gedo region.

The federal government has previously said it had not officially established who was responsible for the Doolow strike.

The allegations have added to concerns over the role of foreign military powers in Somalia’s internal security and political disputes. Türkiye has close security ties with Mogadishu and has provided military training, equipment and other support to Somali government forces.

The confrontation in South West is part of a wider political dispute over the leadership and future of the state, with the federal government seeking to strengthen its control while Laftagareen retains backing from sections of the political and security establishment.

The tensions risk complicating efforts to fight al-Shabaab, particularly in areas where political and military loyalties overlap with the militant group’s presence.

South West authorities say their planned operations are aimed at weakening al-Shabaab and restoring security, but the government’s warning to civilians reflects the risks of renewed fighting in populated areas.

Somalia has been battling al-Shabaab for more than a decade with the support of international partners. The group remains one of the most significant security threats in the country and has carried out attacks targeting government forces, civilians and foreign interests.

GAROWE ONLINE