Baydhabo-Reports from Baidoa, the interim capital of Somalia’s Southwest State, indicate that fighting has erupted in parts of the city between government forces and armed militias said to be loyal to the former administration of Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen.”

According to preliminary reports, armed groups allegedly supporting the former Southwest State administration launched an attack in Baidoa. A spokesperson for the group claimed that its forces had entered into confrontations with government troops.

Heavy clashes have reportedly taken place between federal government forces and fighters supporting the former Southwest administration, with residents reporting the sound of sustained gunfire and heavy weapons in parts of the city.

Emerging reports also suggest that the attacking forces attempted to seize control of several locations in Baidoa. However, there has been no official confirmation regarding which areas may have changed hands or the current positions of the opposing forces.

Sources and officials aligned with the Federal Government have also alleged that the armed faction loyal to former President Laftagareen is receiving indirect backing from both Al-Shabaab and the Ethiopian government. Both Al-Shabaab and Ethiopia have been at odds, in different ways, with the Federal Government in Mogadishu led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. However, these allegations have not been independently verified, and no conclusive evidence has yet been publicly presented establishing direct operational support for the armed faction.

The Federal Government of Somalia has previously accused some forces and militias supporting the former Laftagareen administration of having links with Al-Shabaab, allegations that have been rejected by the opposing side.

The situation in Baidoa remains fluid, and further information is expected regarding possible casualties, the impact on civilians, territorial control and the latest developments on the ground.