BAIDOA, Somalia — Somali government forces fought al-Shabaab militants Sunday at Daynunay, 18 kilometers south of Baidoa, during a politically charged military operation.
Government troops aimed for Baidoa, where South West state President Abdiaziz Laftagareen was “re-elected” through indirect voting, defying federal government plans for popular elections this year.
To reach Baidoa, troops had to pass through an al-Shabaab checkpoint at Daynunay, sparking intense fighting with reports of multiple casualties reported.
The Ministry of Defense stated that 21 militants were killed in the clashes, while government forces temporarily seized the Daynunay base successfully.
Sources confirmed militants were pushed out, but it is unclear whether government troops will hold the base or move toward Baidoa next.
South West State spokesman Ugas Hassan accused Somali forces of using Turkish-made drones for air raids on civilians, rather than targeting al-Shabaab fighters.
Hassan urged Turkey to reconsider allowing Somali government use of fighter jets, warning that the military actions risk inflaming political and civilian tensions.
Sources indicated that the next 48 hours will be decisive in determining which forces ultimately control Baidoa and surrounding strategic positions nearby.
The African Union has called for dialogue to resolve the political dispute and prevent further escalation between federal and regional authorities.
Critics argue the federal government mobilized large forces quickly for political reasons but previously showed little urgency in fighting long-standing al-Shabaab threats.
Pro-government media defended the leadership, citing extensive resources and manpower previously devoted to combating al-Shabaab during the government’s early years in power.
