Fierce Battles in Somalia Between the Federal Army and Forces Loyal to a Former Governor

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At least three people were killed in violent clashes that erupted on Monday in Baidoa between the Somali federal army and a militia supportive of the previous authorities of the South West State of Somalia.

The clashes occurred as part of a large-scale offensive, the fourth launched by forces loyal to the ousted governor of the South West State, Abdul Aziz Laftagaren, on the city, which is home to hundreds of thousands, since he was ousted by the federal army after weeks of escalating tension between him and the federal government headed by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

Mohamed Ali, a senior officer in the federal army, told AFP that Laftagaren's forces allied with the Islamist militant group Al-Shabaab to attack the city, a claim denied by supporters of the former governor.

He added, "A coalition of fighters from Al-Shabaab and forces loyal to Laftagaren attacked Baidoa in the morning (Monday morning), but the federal army inflicted heavy losses on them and forced them to leave the city."

He added, "Calm has returned, and the government-aligned forces are in control of the situation," which was confirmed by residents to AFP.

Doctors Without Borders reported the death of at least three people, including a healthcare worker, and the injury of 69 others, in addition to significant damage to one healthcare facility.

The spokesperson for the local administration, Mohamed Sheikh Abdullah, stated during a press conference that the attackers used "vehicles loaded with explosives" and "suicide drones."

In contrast, the spokesperson for the pro-Fitagreen militias, Ogas Hassan, said, "We have no connection to the youth. The battles in Baidoa are exclusively between our forces and those who invaded us while pretending to represent the federal government, as well as with Turkey, which supports them with F-16 fighters."

Neither side has announced a toll for the human losses from the battles.

The Somali federal army took control of Baidoa in late March and ousted Lutfagreen, amid rising tensions between the federal government and several states.

The ousted governor is an opponent of the Somali president who is seeking to transition the clan-based system in the country to democratic elections.

The Somali president has been accused of seeking to expand his powers, while security disturbances and clan divisions have hindered the organization of elections, except in some limited areas.