Somalia’s Federal Ministry of Defense has accused forces loyal to South West State President Abdiaziz Laftagareen of collaborating and fighting alongside Al-Shabaab during recent clashes in Baay region.
In a statement published by the ministry, federal authorities alleged that Laftagareen’s forces “joined armed elements in an attack targeting a federal military base located in Baay region within South West State” .
The ministry further stated that Somali federal forces later carried out what it described as a planned military operation in response to the attack. According to the statement, around 50 fighters from the attacking side were killed during the confrontation, although independent verification of the casualty figures has not been made.
The Defense Ministry also warned that it would not tolerate actions allegedly carried out by forces operating under the command of Abdiaziz Laftagareen in parts of Baay region, amid escalating tensions between federal authorities and regional actors.
The accusations come a day after clashes on the outskirts of Baidoa reportedly resulted in the deaths of two federal military officers. The officers were buried on Friday in Baay region during a funeral attended by federal and regional officials.
The latest developments underscore growing security and political tensions in South West State, where military operations and political disagreements continue to intersect.
Mustaqbal
