Heavy fighting erupted on Monday on the outskirts of Baidoa, the second largest city in southern Somalia, between federalist forces and troops loyal to the regional Southwest State government, witnesses said.
The eyewitnesses told APA that armed militias took part in the fighting on the side of the federal troops.
The clashes broke out in the peri-urban areas surrounding the city.
Southwest State media reported that regional forces “successfully repelled” an attempt by armed groups to enter the city, identifying the attackers as elements linked to political opposition currently challenging the state administration.
Security officials in Baidoa told local media that several federal troops surrendered to regional forces while official casualty figures have not yet been released.
The eyewitnesses said the fighting resulted in multiple deaths and injuries on both sides.
By Monday noon, regional forces were reportedly conducting mopping-up operations in rural areas to pursue the retreating federalist militias.
Inside Baidoa, the administrative capital of the Southwest State, the atmosphere remained tense.
Security has been significantly bolstered, with additional checkpoints established and troops patrolling key government installations.
The fighting comes as relations between the Somali federal government in Mogadishu and the Southwest State administration reach boiling point.
The two sides are currently deadlocked over a contentious election cycle and broader disputes regarding regional security control.
The federal government of Somalia has not yet issued an official statement regarding the clashes.
MG/as/APA