Baidoa tensions rise as Southwest Forces battle Laftagareen-allied fighters

The administration of the Southwest State, led by Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur Madoobe, says it is facing rising security pressure after Baidoa became a target for forces said to be taking orders from the previous administration.

Several clashes have taken place around the outskirts and parts of Baidoa between forces registered under the current Southwest administration and troops reportedly loyal to the former regime of Abdiaziz Laftagareen.

Forces attacking Baidoa under Laftagareen are described as being organized like a faction or insurgent group.

On several occasions, Federal Government forces and Southwest State’s security units conducted operations in the area, but the groups managed to regroup and remain active around the city.

Security officials from both the Southwest administration and the Federal Government have held meetings to address how to prevent further escalation and reduce the risk in Baidoa.

It was reported that several steps were agreed upon, focused on strengthening safety and preventing armed groups from carrying out attacks.

Meanwhile, officials associated with Abdiaziz Laftagareen have vowed to continue efforts to reclaim Baidoa even though their forces have conducted attacks in brief intervals.

According to the report, they were not able to establish lasting control over the areas they targeted during those attacks.

Meanwhile, Laftagareen-aligned forces have been accused of reportedly carrying out attacks aimed at destabilizing Baidoa, according to security officials.

Mustaqbal