Baidoa, Southwest – Somalia’s Southwest State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen convened his top security chiefs in Baidoa on Saturday, pressing for stronger, more unified action against persistent militant threats across the state. The meeting came at a time when security forces are stretched across multiple fronts, particularly in Bay, Bakool, and Lower Shabelle, where operations against Al-Shabaab have intensified in recent weeks.
Officials present at the closed-door session described a focused atmosphere as the president urged commanders to close remaining gaps in coordination that militants continue to exploit in rural areas. He stressed the need for faster information-sharing, tighter joint planning, and synchronized deployments, noting that fragmented responses only give insurgents more room to operate.
Laftagareen also highlighted the essential role of community vigilance, reminding his team that residents are often the first to spot suspicious activity or early signs of trouble. His message underscored a growing understanding within the state leadership that long-term security relies not only on military advances but also on trust and cooperation with local communities.
Security commanders briefed him on recent progress, pointing to deeper pushes into contested zones and efforts to disrupt militant supply lines. Despite several gains, they acknowledged the challenges posed by shifting tactics, complex terrain, and the need to sustain momentum.
The meeting closed with a renewed commitment to reinforce unity among security branches and accelerate the tempo of operations—an indication that Southwest authorities intend to maintain pressure as Somalia’s broader counterterrorism campaign enters a critical phase.