Clashes and heightened security fears have gripped Baidoa, the interim capital of South West State, following armed confrontations between regional security forces and fighters loyal to former state leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, known as Laftagareen.

Local residents reported seeing masked fighters entering the city from several directions as tension rapidly escalated. Although large-scale fighting has subsided, sporadic gunfire continues to ring out across parts of the city.

The outbreak of violence has brought daily life in Baidoa to a sudden halt. Public transit and general movement are frozen, with residents sheltering in their homes out of fear for their safety. Regional security forces and Federal Government troops already based in Baidoa are conducting joint operations to regain complete control and prevent further instability.

Conflicting claims have emerged regarding the nature of the attack. Regional authorities claim the situation is now under control, maintaining that security forces successfully repelled an early-morning attack inside the city. State media outlets cited military officials describing the attackers as Al-Shabaab militants.

However, a spokesperson for forces loyal to Laftagareen publicly refuted the administration’s statement, claiming responsibility for launching the assault on Baidoa. The conflicting narratives underscore deep political and military divisions in the region, as authorities continue working to fully stabilize the city amidst lingering sporadic gunfire.