Fierce fighting erupted in Baidoa as Somali national forces confronted fighters loyal to ousted South West State president Abdiaziz Laftagareen, with reports of jets, vehicles packed with explosives and explosive drones. The army says it pushed attackers out after inflicting heavy casualties, while MSF reported three deaths, including a healthcare worker, and 69 patients treated at Bay Regional Hospital. Roads to hospitals were blocked, a health facility was severely damaged and an ambulance looted. This is the third major outbreak of fighting in Baidoa over six weeks, raising urgent concerns about civilian safety and access to care.
Fierce Clashes in Baidoa as Somali Army Battles Forces Loyal to Ousted South West State President
Security personnel patrol a street in Baidoa, Somalia [File: Bishar Mayow Mukhtar/AP Photo]
Intense fighting broke out in the southwestern Somali city of Baidoa after national forces clashed with fighters loyal to the ousted head of South West State, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen. Reports said fighter jets and explosive drones were used when thousands of local fighters entered the city on Monday.
Clash and Immediate Impact
Senior army commander Mohamed Ali told AFP that "the national army confronted them, inflicted heavy casualties and drove them out of the city." He said some attackers were operating vehicles packed with explosives and deploying explosive drones. The federal government sent troops to Baidoa in March to remove Laftagareen from power, and he has since made repeated attempts to retake the region.
Abdiaziz Laftagareen (in a statement): "The aim is to maintain security [and] restore stability and diversity in Baidoa."
Humanitarian Consequences
The medical NGO Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported three deaths, including a healthcare worker. Medical teams at Bay Regional Hospital said they had received 69 patients affected by the violence, including five children. Roads leading to hospitals were blocked, hindering emergency access and treatment.
MSF's Somalia representative, Dr Elshafie Mohammed, said: "This is the third time in six weeks that fighting has erupted in Baidoa, with devastating consequences for civilians. It is unacceptable that civilians and healthcare are being caught up in violence." The aid agency also reported severe damage to a health facility, the looting of an ambulance, and that two medical staff working with its teams were robbed and one was injured.
Context And Recent Incidents
Baidoa has seen multiple outbreaks of violence in recent weeks. Earlier clashes were reported on August 17, when Bay Regional Hospital recorded four deaths and 94 wounded, and on September 3, when 71 people received treatment and one death was reported. Local residents described heavy, citywide fighting and difficulties for civilians attempting to flee.
Both federal and local sources reported the engagement to AFP and humanitarian organizations; details remain fluid as aid agencies continue to assess damage and casualties. The renewed violence underscores broader political tensions between several Somali states and the federal government under President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.
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