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Several fighters from both sides are killed after Somali federal forces and opposition groups clash in the South West State. Two civilians are also killed. Militias loyal to former
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In Short: Clashes between Somali federal forces and opposition groups in Baidoa have left several fighters and civilians dead, with federal forces claiming to have restored the city's 'freedom and dignity'.
Several fighters from both sides were killed in clashes in Baidoa, the capital of the South West State in Somalia, while two civilians also lost their lives, according to reports from Garoweonline.
A spokesman for the South West State Darwish forces stated that they had fully taken control of the city and restored its 'freedom and dignity', urging residents to return to the streets and assuring them that there was nothing to fear.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had previously announced that Somalia would bid farewell to its last foreign soldier by December 2024, indicating ongoing efforts to stabilize the country.
Residents reported sporadic gunfire in some parts of the city after the main clashes, with many people remaining indoors amid fears that fighting could resume, according to Garoweonline.
Background
The South West State of Somalia (Somali: Koonfur Galbeed, Maay: Koofur Orsé) is a federal member state in southwestern Somalia. It was founded by Hasan Muhammad Nur Shatigadud, leader of the Somalia RRA on 1 April 2002.
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- He said the fighters had restored what he described as the city’s “freedom and dignity” and called on residents to come out of their homes and welcome the forces.
- “The South West State Darwish forces have fully taken control of Baidoa and restored its freedom and dignity,” the spokesman said.
- He also urged residents to return to the streets, saying they had nothing to fear and that his forces were in full control of the city.
- He said the fighters would work to restore order and the South West State administration.
- They said their forces had successfully defended their positions and repelled the attack by forces loyal to Laftagareen.
- Residents reported sporadic gunfire in some parts of the city after the main clashes, while many people remained indoors amid fears that fighting could resume.
- President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said in October 2022 that Somalia would bid farewell to its last foreign soldier by December 2024.