FTL Somalia

Al-Shabaab Ambushes Southwest Troops Near Baidoa

Baidoa, Somalia — Al-Shabaab militants ambushed Southwest state regional forces on Monday morning at a security post in Bay Burjeed, on the outskirts of Baidoa, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire, security sources said.

Though the full extent of casualties is not yet confirmed and local officials have not commented publicly, the clash disrupted traffic and heightened fears among residents in nearby villages.

This latest raid is the second attack on the area in two months. On April 17, Al-Shabaab fighters mounted a similar assault on a security outpost in Bay Burjeed, which local forces successfully repelled.

Southwest authorities have repeatedly vowed to bolster security around Baidoa, the region’s administrative capital, but today’s attack underscores the persistent threat posed by the extremist group despite ongoing counterinsurgency operations.