Somali army pushes back rebels in battle for Baidoa
Intense fighting erupted in the southwestern city of Baidoa as government troops clashed with rebel fighters, leaving dozens injured and raising concerns over civilian safety.
Heavy fighting broke out on Thursday in Baidoa, a strategic hub in southwestern Somalia, as the Somali army engaged rebel forces that had moved into the city’s outskirts. According to statements from the Ministry of Defense, government troops employed artillery and explosive devices to halt the advance, eventually forcing the insurgents to retreat from several key neighborhoods.
Witnesses on the ground described a chaotic scene marked by the sound of gunfire, detonations, and the movement of armored vehicles through the city’s main streets. Local hospitals reported receiving a surge of patients, with medical staff confirming that the death toll and number of injured were in the dozens, though exact figures remain unverified.
The rebel group, which has not been named in official releases, appears to have targeted Baidoa due to its role as a supply and transport centre for humanitarian aid. Control of the city would give the fighters a foothold in a region that has seen a gradual increase in armed activity over the past year. Security officials said the army’s objective was to secure the city’s administrative compound and prevent the rebels from establishing a permanent presence.
Humanitarian agencies operating in the area warned that the clashes could exacerbate an already fragile situation for civilians. Displacement figures are expected to rise as residents flee neighborhoods that have become active combat zones. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) urged all parties to respect civilian safety and allow aid deliveries to continue unhindered.
While the Somali army claims it has regained control of most contested districts, officials cautioned that the security situation remains volatile. Further engagements are possible as both sides assess their positions in the coming days. The incident underscores the broader challenges facing Somalia’s efforts to stabilize the country amid ongoing insurgent activity.
Original reporting: Al Jazeera.