BAIDOA (WDN) – Forces of the Somali Federal Government have seized full control of Baidoa, the interim capital of South West State, marking a significant and decisive development. Following clashes between federal and South West regional forces, early reports indicate that government troops have secured the city and now exercise full authority over Baidoa.
The Somali National Army and security officials are reportedly conducting operations in Baidoa to stabilize the city and ensure public safety. The government has also announced the reopening of the key road linking Baidoa to Mogadishu, restoring a critical lifeline between the two cities.
Somalia’s Minister of Ports Abdiqadir Mohamed Nur, has announced that federal government forces have taken control of Baidoa without causing harm to civilians or damage to property. The minister said national forces had secured the most critical parts of the city without bloodshed, without harm to the civilians or destruction of property”. He added that those who surrendered are safe and urged others to lay down their arms. “Those who have surrendered are safe. The rest should not continue fighting,” he said.
The minister also appealed to parents to encourage their sons to return home and avoid further conflict. He reassured officials not involved in the fighting including ministers, MPs, and security commanders—that they had nothing to fear and should remain in their homes.
The Minister further called on forces aligned with President Laftagareen, whom he said had withdrawn toward the airport, to return to their neighborhoods, offering guarantees for their safety.In a direct message to fighters, he urged restraint and emphasized unity:
Residents in Baidoa were reported to have welcomed the arrival of federal forces, expressing relief at the absence of the destruction and casualties that many had feared.
Meanwhile, federal government forces are reported to have captured several fighters aligned with Laftagareen. Some footage circulating online appears to show government officers allowing detained individuals to return to their families.
Three other conflicting Reports from Baidoa indicate.
Report1. that President Abdiaziz Laftagareen has left the city with his family, though his exact destination remains unclear.
Sources suggest he departed on a pre-arranged private aircraft and may have traveled to areas in Jubaland, including Doolow or Kismayo.
Details surrounding his departure remain uncertain, including who facilitated it. However, earlier reports had indicated that Ethiopian forces may have prepared a helicopter for a possible evacuation if the situation worsened.
Report 2 indicates that President Abdiaziz is currently at the presidential office in Baidoa, meeting with his cabinet to discuss their options.
Report 3 indicates that two Ministers of SWS have surrendered to the Federal Army – Minister of Interior Mr. Maxamed Isaaq Ahmed and the Minister of Religious Affairs Mr. Nur Sidow Baaba.
WardheerNews