Fighting erupts near Baidoa as Somali army advance on Burhakabo stalls

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Heavy fighting erupted on Monday on the outskirts of Baidoa between the Somali National Army and forces loyal to Abdiaziz Laftagareen, the former president of Southwest State. An official from Laftagareen’s faction said army units had been ambushed on the road.

The soldiers were travelling through the Burjed area, near Baidoa, reportedly on their way to Burhakabo. The town lies 60km east of Baidoa and was recently seized from the federal government by Laftagareen’s forces.

The official said their fighters attacked because the soldiers wanted to pose for photographs on the edge of Baidoa and then claim to have carried out an operation.

Laftagareen’s group said it killed dozens of soldiers and destroyed a number of military vehicles. Neither figure has been independently confirmed.

The federal government and its ally, the current Southwest State administration, have not yet responded.

The clashes come as militant attacks continue to stall about 2,000 Somali troops who set out on Saturday from Baledogle airfield, on the Mogadishu-Baidoa road, to retake Burhakabo and other towns in the Bay region that Laftagareen’s forces recently captured.

The troops, travelling with more than 200 military vehicles, are now stranded in Leego, about 50km east of Burhakabo and close to Baledogle airfield. Reports indicate that the militant group Al-Shabaab has mined the entire road.

On Saturday, local media reported that Al-Shabaab ambushed the convoy, sparking hours of fighting that caused casualties on both sides. The army said it gained the upper hand and killed seven militants. Al-Shabaab-affiliated media reported that 10 soldiers were killed and four military vehicles destroyed.

Local media say the advance has stalled mainly because of fears of landmines and further ambushes.

Residents said security forces ordered them to leave Leego, warning that the town could be hit by Turkish air strikes. Leego is currently held by the Somali military, with militants positioned on its outskirts.

The federal government is seeking to consolidate its control of Southwest State, where it installed a loyal administration led by former parliament speaker Adan Madobe. It ousted regional President Abdiasis Mohamed Hassan Laftagareen in March in a military offensive backed by Turkish air power.

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