Somalia repels armed assault on Baidoa amid regional political tensions

Explosions and gunfire rock Baidoa as armed groups strike during South West State’s political tensions.Published On 3 Sep 20263 Sep 2026Somalia’s military says it has repelled an attack by two armed groups in Baidoa, the largest city in Somalia’s South West State.In a statement posted on X, Somalia’s Defence Ministry said “militias” loyal to ousted Governor Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen launched the attack early on Thursday morning.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Somali army clashes with rebel forces for control of key city Baidoalist 2 of 3Puntland forces seize government-held camp in Somalia’s Galkayolist 3 of 3Al-Shabab kills five Kenyan security personnel in ambushend of list“The attack began with explosions intended to terrorise civilians, but the army said it responded bravely and inflicted a heavy defeat on the attackers,” the ministry said in a statement.Several states in the deeply fragmented country are opposed to control by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who also faces a long-running rebellion by the armed group al-Shabab, which controls vast swathes of central Somalia.In March, the government sent in troops to oust Laftagareen.He launched a failed ...