Heavy Somalia fighting erupted early Thursday on the outskirts of Baidoa, sending civilians fleeing as government forces clashed with militias.
The violence added to growing political and security tensions between Somalia’s federal government and supporters of former South West state President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
Residents reported heavy gunfire in and around residential areas. The fighting continued for several hours before easing in the early afternoon.
Government Blames Laftagareen Supporters
Somalia’s Defense Ministry said government forces responded to an attack by fighters loyal to Laftagareen.
The ministry also alleged that al-Shabab, the al-Qaida-linked extremist group, joined the assault.
However, those claims could not immediately be independently verified.
The clashes reflect a wider dispute over political control in South West state.
Baidoa Has Become a Political Flashpoint
Federal forces took control of Baidoa on March 30. Laftagareen later resigned from his position.
He had led South West state since 2018.
The latest confrontation shows that tensions have continued despite his departure.
Earlier fighting in Baidoa also involved forces loyal to Laftagareen. That violence killed at least four civilians and wounded 98 people, according to hospital officials.
Dozens of Wounded at Baidoa Hospital
The latest fighting caused a significant number of civilian injuries.
Dr. Abdikafi Omar Mohamud, head of the emergency department at Bay Regional Hospital, said medical staff treated 71 wounded people.
The group included 15 women. One civilian also died, according to the hospital official.
Ambulances rushed to the hospital as government troops patrolled the streets.
Residents later returned to inspect damaged areas and clean bloodied clothing from the pavement.
Civilians Flee as Gunfire Hits Residential Areas
The violence quickly disrupted daily life in Baidoa.
Abdullahi Haji, a local resident, said he left his home after hearing heavy gunfire.
He also reported stray bullets landing in residential areas.
As a result, many residents sought safety away from the fighting.
Baidoa Remains a Major Humanitarian Hub
Baidoa sits about 245 kilometers northwest of Mogadishu.
The city plays an important role in Somalia’s humanitarian response. More than half a million people displaced by conflict and drought live in and around the city.
Therefore, renewed fighting could create additional pressure on an already vulnerable population.
Humanitarian agencies have long relied on Baidoa as a key center for delivering assistance to displaced communities.
Fighting Adds to Somalia’s Security Challenges
Somalia continues to face a serious security threat from al-Shabab.
At the same time, political disputes between federal authorities and regional leaders have complicated efforts to maintain stability.
The latest clashes combine both challenges.
While the federal government seeks greater control, local political forces continue to resist its authority in parts of the country.
Previous Clashes Raised Fresh Concerns
The latest violence follows deadly clashes in Baidoa last month.
That confrontation killed dozens of combatants and at least four civilians. Hospital officials also reported 98 wounded people.
Federal troops eventually pushed opposition forces away from the city.
The repeated outbreaks of violence have increased concerns about Baidoa’s security and the safety of civilians.
No Full Casualty Picture Yet
Officials had not released a complete casualty figure after Thursday’s fighting.
However, the hospital reported one civilian death and 71 wounded people.
Authorities also continued assessing the damage after the gunfire stopped.
Further details could emerge as local officials investigate the incident.
Somalia Fighting Highlights Political Tensions
The latest Somalia fighting is more than a local security incident.
It reflects a broader struggle between Somalia’s federal authorities and regional political forces.
Baidoa has become a particularly sensitive location because of its political importance and its role as a humanitarian center.
Consequently, any prolonged instability could have serious consequences for civilians.
What Comes Next for Baidoa?
The immediate priority remains restoring security and protecting residents.
Government troops continued patrolling the city after the clashes.
Meanwhile, residents faced the difficult task of assessing damage and returning to their homes.
The federal government will also face pressure to prevent further violence while addressing its political dispute with Laftagareen’s supporters.
For Baidoa, the latest fighting is another reminder of how quickly political tensions can turn into deadly violence.
