BAIDOA, Somalia — At least seven people, including soldiers, were killed on Thursday after forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen” launched a new offensive in Baidoa, about 250km away from Mogadishu.
Pro-Laftagaren troops engaged in fighting with Somali federal troops and forces backing the Mogadishu-aligned administration led by Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur “Madobe.”
Heavy gunfire was reported in several areas, including Al-Axmaar and Al-Faras, as fighting erupted in parts of the city.
A spokesman for Laftagareen-aligned forces, Ugaas Hassan, announced an operation to “liberate” Baidoa and called on federal soldiers to surrender, fighters to protect civilians and residents to remain indoors.
The scale of the fighting, casualties and control of territory could not immediately be independently verified.
The renewed clashes come amid months of political and military tensions over control of South West State.
Federal forces entered Baidoa in March following disputes over constitutional reforms, elections and Laftagareen’s bid for re-election as president of the state.
Laftagareen later resigned and left the city, but his supporters rejected the transition. Madobe was subsequently elected with federal government backing, deepening the political crisis.
The dispute escalated into heavy fighting on Aug. 17, when Laftagareen-aligned forces attacked positions held by federal troops and forces backing Madobe.
Since then, both sides have continued mobilizing armed forces around Baidoa, while civilians have fled some neighborhoods amid fears of renewed fighting.
