The bodies of more than 35 Al-Shabaab militants were displayed in Baidoa on Thursday after Somali forces repelled a major assault on the city. Thousands of residents flooded the streets to witness the aftermath and celebrate the militants’ defeat.
The attack, launched in the early hours of Thursday, was swiftly countered by joint operations of the Somali National Army (SNA) and South West Daraawiish forces, resulting in heavy losses for the insurgents. Authorities confirmed that all attackers were killed in the clashes outside the city.
Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West State, has been a frequent target of Al-Shabaab, which seeks to undermine government control in the region. The failed assault marks another setback for the militant group amid increasing military pressure from Somali and allied forces.
The public parade of the militants’ bodies served as a stark warning to the group, while residents expressed relief and defiance against Al-Shabaab’s violent insurgency. Security forces remain on high alert for potential retaliatory attacks.
This latest clash underscores the ongoing struggle to stabilize Somalia as government troops, backed by regional and international partners, continue their offensive against the extremist group.