MOGADISHU- (LM) Somalia’s Defence Ministry says government forces have repelled a dawn assault on Baidoa by fighters linked to Al-Shabaab and militias loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
The ministry said the armed forces responded to the attack and inflicted heavy losses on the attackers, while maintaining control of the city and pursuing fighters who fled the area.
Local reports said the assault involved explosives-laden vehicles and drones, although some details could not be independently verified. The fighting has also raised concerns over possible civilian casualties.
The Defence Ministry released images showing bodies it identified as members of the attacking forces. Independent verification of the reported casualty figures was not immediately available.
The latest clashes come amid continuing political and security tensions in South West State between the federal government, the current South West administration and forces loyal to Laftagareen. Similar fighting has been reported in Baidoa in recent months.
