29 people killed in political clashes between rival forces in Baidoa, Somalia

At least 29 people were killed and 45 wounded in intense fighting that erupted in the city early Monday, according to hospital and security sources.

The dead included 12 civilians and 17 soldiers. Emergency departments at Bay Hospital and Bay Regional Hospital confirmed the civilian deaths, while security sources reported the military fatalities. Hospitals treated 45 people injured in the clashes.

Fighting broke out around 4:50 a.m., with residents hearing heavy gunfire and bombardment across several neighborhoods. The clashes pitted forces supporting Southwest State leader Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur “Madobe” against Darawish forces loyal to Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen.”

Residents reported that rocket-propelled grenades and mortar fire struck eight civilian homes. A drone strike also destroyed a federal government military depot in the Ali Salamey neighborhood.

Laftagareen-aligned forces advanced into the city, temporarily capturing several neighborhoods and reaching downtown areas, including the front gates of the Southwest State presidential office, the Afar-Irdoodka area, and two bridges, according to spokesperson Ugaas Hassan. The forces seized several vehicles before withdrawing.

The Southwest State administration under Madobe said its forces had pushed the fighters out and that calm had returned. Federal government troops were later seen in parts of the city.

The violence stems from a long-running dispute over control of Southwest State and its leadership. The crisis intensified in March after the federal government rejected Laftagareen’s disputed re-election. Federal forces took control of Baidoa on March 30, and Laftagareen later resigned after leading the state since 2018.

Earlier clashes in August killed dozens and wounded 98 people, including at least four civilians. Further fighting on September 3 left dozens injured, including women and children, with a local journalist among those who later died from wounds.

Baidoa, the administrative capital of Southwest State and a major hub for people displaced by conflict and drought, has repeatedly seen residential areas caught in the crossfire, increasing risks for civilians and straining hospital services.