By Zakaria Hassan - Reporter
Somalia, 30 May 2026 Security forces in South West State repelled an armed attack in Baidoa today, authorities said, hours before the swearing-in ceremony of newly elected assembly members.
Colonel Sidiiq Doodishe, head of the Bay region police, told reporters that the attackers wanted to create chaos in the city.
“Armed groups tried to create disorder, but security forces acted swiftly and the attack was defeated. Collection of bodies of those killed is ongoing,” he said.
Officials accused forces loyal to opposition politicians of orchestrating the attack, although he did not name them. Authorities also issued warnings to youths against joining armed groups opposing the regional administration.
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Separately, Somalia’s national army said Al-Shabaab militants were involved in the Baidoa attack, promising to issue a statement on the counter operation later.
However, Hassan Abdi Mohamed, former spokesperson for the South West State administration under Ex-President Abdiaziz Laftagareen, claimed on Facebook that the state’s Darawiish forces carried out the early morning operation as part of efforts to reinforce regional security.
The attack comes as Baidoa prepared to host the swearing-in of new assembly members, raising political and security tensions in the city. No independent confirmation of casualties identities has yet been reported.
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