BAIDOA — Heavy gunfire and mortar explosions were reported in Baidoa for a second consecutive day on Thursday as South West State security forces clashed with armed militias.
Regional authorities have characterized the escalating violence as a result of external interference, directly blaming the Federal Government of Somalia for fueling the conflict.
Clashes Near Minister’s Residence
According to residents and local officials, the fighting has centered on the neighborhood surrounding the residence of Hassan Eelay, the Federal Minister for Livestock, Forestry and Range.
Regional security officials stated they were conducting a “clearing operation” against armed groups they described as entities intent on destabilizing the interim capital.
“Our forces will continue this operation until these armed elements are neutralized and order is restored,” a senior South West State security official told Reuters, requesting anonymity.
Political Fallout
The regional administration has accused Mogadishu of financing and providing logistical support to the militias to undermine President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen“. The Federal Government has not yet issued a formal response to these allegations.
The escalation comes amid a period of intense political friction between President Laftagareen’s administration and the federal leadership over constitutional reforms and the timeline for upcoming national elections.
Tensions were further inflamed earlier this week when the federal government blocked flights carrying security details for regional leaders from landing in Mogadishu, citing breaches of security protocol.
Humanitarian and Security Impact
Residents report a tense situation on the ground, with businesses shuttered and civilians remaining indoors.
“We can hear heavy machine-gun fire and occasional blasts,” said Adan Ahmed, a local shopkeeper.
Observers warn that the infighting between state and federal-aligned forces could distract from the security campaign against Al-Shabaab, which continues to control large swathes of the surrounding countryside.
