Fierce clashes between Somali government forces and militias in Baidoa, a major city in southwestern Somalia, have killed dozens of combatants and left at least four civilians dead and 98 others wounded, according to a hospital official.
The fighting erupted early Monday after militia groups attacked government positions on the outskirts of Baidoa, a city of more than half a million people that also hosts large numbers of people displaced by conflict and drought.
Dr. Abdikafi Omar Mohamud of Bay Regional Hospital said the civilian casualties included 28 women and an elderly man who was struck by stray bullets. The hospital had only about 40 beds available and was forced to establish an emergency tent to accommodate the influx of wounded people. Medical staff also reported shortages of essential medicines.
Somali authorities reported conflicting figures for the number of attackers killed. The federal government said nearly 30 attackers were killed, while South West state officials put the figure at about 50. The numbers could not be independently verified.
The violence also involved fighters linked to former South West state President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen, according to a regional security analyst. At the same time, the al-Qaida-linked militant group al-Shabab attacked two Somali military positions near Baidoa, raising allegations of possible coordination between the groups.
South West Internal Security Minister Isak Mohamed Korsaar said government forces recovered the bodies of al-Shabab fighters and captured others. He maintained that the militias involved in the assault were accompanied by al-Shabab fighters.
Calm had returned to Baidoa by Tuesday, although security forces remained heavily deployed across the city. Residents cautiously returned to the streets as authorities inspected damaged buildings and vehicles.
The latest clashes follow months of political tension over the leadership and electoral process in South West state. The federal government rejected Laftagareen’s disputed indirect re-election in March, while federal forces took control of Baidoa later that month. Laftagareen subsequently announced his resignation.
Security analysts warn that prolonged political disputes could create further opportunities for extremist groups to exploit instability. The latest violence therefore represents not only a security challenge but also a growing humanitarian concern for civilians already affected by conflict and displacement.
Swifteradio.com