War has erupted on the outskirts of Baidoa, the largest city of South West State of Somalia, after forces loyal to the ousted regional leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen attacked positions held by federal troops, residents told APA this weekend.
The fighting took place near the southwestern city of Baidoa, heightening political and security tensions in the region amid an ongoing dispute over the leadership of South West State.
Residents said the confrontation began when fighters aligned with Laftagareen launched assaults on bases occupied by forces of the federal government of Somalia.
There was no immediate official confirmation of casualties, and neither Somali federal authorities nor South West State officials had publicly commented on the fighting.
Witnesses said tensions remained high in and around Baidoa, with fears that the violence could spread further. The Somali government held a disputed election in the city, for which the results have not yet been announced.
The president of Somalia’s Southwest State, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagaren was ousted late in March and allowed to fly into exile shortly after the capital Baidoa fell to federal forces late on Monday.
The former leader of the Southwest, a former ally of Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, had defied orders from Mogadishu to step aside and allow the installation of a new government.
Laftagarenn accused the federal authorities of political interference and encroaching on the state’s autonomy.
The former regional leader, who is currently in Kenya, has insisted that he remains the legitimate president of South West State and vowed to return to Baidoa.
MG/as/APA