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| Africa Horn |
| Somalia: Federal Forces Deployed to Baidoa Amid Growing Threat From Laftagareen loyalists |
| 2026-08-30 |
I’m still going with this thing being internal Somali politics (Page 3: Non-WoT) rather than an Al Shabaab connection. We’ll see who is right… [GaroweOnline] Somalia’s federal government has deployed additional troops to Baidoa by air to reinforce security around the newly installed South West State administration, as forces loyal to former South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohammed Laftagareen continue to pose a security challenge to the regional capital.The troops were reportedly flown into Baidoa to protect South West State leader Sheikh Aadan Mohammed Nur Madobe, bigwigs and key government facilities, according to local and security sources. The federal government has not publicly disclosed the number of troops deployed or the specific units involved. The deployment comes amid escalating tensions between the federal government and forces loyal to Laftagareen, who was removed from office earlier this year. Laftagareen-aligned fighters have launched repeated attacks and armed incursions around Baidoa, with the latest major festivities taking place on August 17. During the August 17 fighting, fighters loyal to Laftagareen attacked positions held by federal forces in Baidoa. The Somali government said its forces repelled the assault, while Laftagareen’s camp claimed its fighters had briefly entered parts of the city. The festivities reportedly caused dozens of casualties and forced some residents to flee their homes. The latest deployment has further militarised Baidoa, where the federal government is seeking to consolidate the authority of the new South West administration under Aadan Madobe. Laftagareen and his supporters, however, continue to reject the federal government-backed political transition and have vowed to challenge federal forces in the city. The confrontation has deepened a broader political dispute between Mogadishu and South West State over leadership, constitutional changes and control of security forces. Analysts have warned that the dispute could fuel further political violence ahead of Somalia’s planned electoral process. The deployment also comes as Baidoa remains a key security and political centre in southwestern Somalia, with the federal government and its allies seeking to prevent the city from falling under the influence of Laftagareen-aligned forces. The Somali government has not officially confirmed reports that its latest troop deployment was specifically intended to defend Aadan Madobe, but local sources said the reinforcements were sent to strengthen security around the South West leadership and strategic government installations. Related: Baidoa: 2026-08-25 Federal forces occupy Baidoa buildings and install heavy weapons on rooftops amid fears of an imminent attack Baidoa: 2026-08-24 Somali government sends troops to Baidoa to protect Sheikh Aden Madobe Baidoa: 2026-08-22 Pirates hijacked two ships carrying 22 Indian citizens off the coast of Somalia Related: South West State: 2026-08-25 Federal forces occupy Baidoa buildings and install heavy weapons on rooftops amid fears of an imminent attack South West State: 2026-08-24 Somali government sends troops to Baidoa to protect Sheikh Aden Madobe South West State: 2026-07-07 Somalia: Turkish fighter jets deployed to Baidoa amid reported security fears Related: Laftagareen 08/25/2026 Federal forces occupy Baidoa buildings and install heavy weapons on rooftops amid fears of an imminent attack Laftagareen 08/24/2026 Somali government sends troops to Baidoa to protect Sheikh Aden Madobe Laftagareen 08/20/2026 Ethiopia’s withdrawal from Burhakaba tests Somalia’s security transition |
| Posted by:trailing wife |
| #1 |
| Posted by: Super Hose 2026-08-30 11:10 |