By Aadan Geesey - Reporter
Somalia, Aug. 17, 2026 – Somalia's Defence Ministry said government forces killed nearly 30 militants after armed groups attacked the city of Baidoa early on Monday.
According to a statement from the ministry, the attack took place at about 5 a.m. and was carried out by militants the ministry identified as members of Al-Shabaab and fighters loyal to former South West President Abdiaziz Laftagareen.
The ministry said Somali army forces quickly responded to the attack and thwarted what it described as an attempt to disrupt security and stability in Baidoa.
During the fighting, government forces killed nearly 30 militants and wounded others, the ministry said. It did not provide details of casualties among government forces.
The Defence Ministry also said government forces seized weapons and vehicles used by the attackers.
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The ministry said security operations were continuing in and around Baidoa to secure the city and pursue militants who had taken refuge in some areas.
South West Security Minister Isaak Mohamed Korsaar, speaking about the fighting, said government forces had made gains and rejected reports that fighters loyal to Laftagareen had taken control of the city.
The fighting caused civilian casualties, according to medical officials, although no official figure was immediately available.
The Defence Ministry urged the public to avoid spreading unverified reports about the fighting and the outcome of the security operations until further official information was released.