BAIDOA —Somalia’s Federal Government has deployed additional Danab commandos to Baidoa and its surrounding areas as authorities step up security following a series of attacks targeting the southwestern city.

The deployment comes amid reported assaults by Al-Shabaab militants and armed groups loyal to Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, the former leader of South West State. Federal authorities say the pro-Laftagareen militias operate from positions on the outskirts of Baidoa.

Laftagareen continues to claim that he is the legitimate leader of South West State, despite being driven from Baidoa by federal and local forces on 30 March 2026.

The Federal Government said its forces had killed numerous Al-Shabaab fighters and members of the pro-Laftagareen militias during recent operations. The Ministry of Defence also said troops had seized armoured vehicles from the militias, claiming that the vehicles had previously been captured from Al-Shabaab.

Security forces have increased their presence across Baidoa, with additional checkpoints established along major roads and other strategic locations. The government said the measures are aimed at protecting civilians, securing key infrastructure and preventing further attacks.