BAIDOA (Raxanreeb Online) — Tensions are rising in and around Baidoa following reports of significant troop movements to positions on the outskirts of the city, amid an escalating political dispute over the leadership and direction of South West State.

Sources in the Bay region say a large contingent of heavily armed forces, reportedly aligned with Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, has been deployed to areas outside Baidoa. The troops are said to have travelled from Doolow district in the Gedo region.

Preliminary reports indicate that the forces are being positioned for possible military operations in areas surrounding Baidoa. However, authorities have not publicly clarified the purpose, scale or duration of the deployment.

The reported mobilisation comes at a time of heightened political and security uncertainty, with increased military activity observed around several approaches to the regional capital.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur, commonly known as Aden Madobe, arrived in Baidoa on Saturday and addressed the developing security and political situation.

Speaking at a press conference, Aden Madobe said Somali National Army personnel and South West forces under his side would respond firmly to armed groups he accused of supporting Laftagareen.

He said the forces would no longer limit their operations to defensive measures and were prepared to launch offensive action against groups he described as an alliance of hostile forces.

The statements have added to concerns over a possible escalation as rival sides continue to mobilise forces around Baidoa.

The dispute centres on competing claims over the administration and political future of South West State, with both sides trading accusations and presenting their respective forces as legitimate security actors.

There has been no independent verification of the number of troops involved in the reported deployments, and no official confirmation has been issued regarding any planned military operation.

The situation remains fluid, with residents and observers closely watching developments amid fears that the political confrontation could develop into a wider security crisis.