Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) repelled an early-morning attack on their positions in Baidoa, with the government claiming nearly 30 attackers were killed during the fighting.
The Somali Ministry of Defence said the assault took place at about 5 am on Monday, August 17, and involved Al-Shabaab militants and militias loyal to Abdiaziz Laftagareen.
According to the ministry, the attackers used vehicles loaded with explosives in an attempt to overrun government positions and destabilise security in Baidoa.
“SNAF responded professionally and decisively, repelling the attack and thwarting the assailants’ attempt to destabilise the security and stability of Baidoa,” the ministry said in a statement.
The government said fighting continued after the initial assault, with SNAF troops engaging the attackers and preventing them from gaining control of the military positions.
“During the ensuing engagement, SNAF killed nearly 30 of the attacking militants and captured several others alive. The forces also seized weapons and military vehicles used by the assailants,” the statement said.
The Defence Ministry did not provide details on whether government forces suffered casualties during the attack or identify the number of militants captured.
The incident comes amid continuing security challenges in Somalia, where Al-Shabaab has maintained the ability to carry out attacks against government forces and other targets despite sustained military operations against the group.
In its statement, the ministry linked the Baidoa attack to both Al-Shabaab militants and forces loyal to Abdiaziz Laftagareen, a prominent Somali political figure. It did not provide further details on the alleged coordination between the two groups.
Baidoa is the administrative capital of South West State and has remained an important political and military centre in Somalia. The city hosts government institutions and security forces and has previously been affected by attacks linked to the country's broader political and security tensions.
The Defence Ministry said government forces were continuing operations following Monday's fighting, with troops searching for attackers who may have escaped the initial engagement.
“SNAF continues to conduct operations to secure the city and pursue the remaining militants hiding in parts of Baidoa,” it said.
The ministry elaborated that further information would be released once the operation had been completed.
“The Ministry of Defence will provide the Somali public with further details regarding the attack and the outcome of the operation once it has concluded,” it added.