Somali army defeats rebels in Baidoa, killing 30 attackers

Somalia’s army clashed with rebel forces in Baidoa early Monday morning, claiming victory after hours of intense fighting. The battles erupted before dawn when fighters loyal to former South West State president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen attacked federal positions. According to the Defence Ministry, government forces repelled the assault, killing 30 attackers who were reportedly armed with explosives-laden vehicles.

This confrontation is part of a broader conflict in Somalia fueled by political tensions. Laftagareen, who ruled South West State for more than seven years, severed ties with the federal government in March. This decision followed controversial constitutional amendments pushed by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, which extended his term and altered the fragile power-sharing arrangement established in Somalia's 2012 provisional constitution. These changes have sparked violence across the country, including in the capital, Mogadishu.

Residents of Baidoa described the fighting as the fiercest since the army took control of the city in March. Doctors Without Borders reported casualties arriving at its local facilities, indicating the conflict is taking a toll on the civilian population. The clashes occurred on multiple fronts, further complicating an already dire humanitarian situation in the region, where millions face malnutrition and famine.

The ongoing instability in Baidoa raises concerns about the future of governance and security in Somalia. Laftagareen’s forces have previously attempted to regain control, including a failed attempt in May. As the conflict continues, the humanitarian crisis is expected to worsen, with the international community watching closely to see how this power struggle impacts the broader stability of the country.