Somalia: Mortar fire hits Baidoa as South West State leadership sworn in
BAIDOA, Somalia — Mortars landed in parts of Baidoa on Monday while a high-profile inauguration unfolded in the city, according to local sources.
Witnesses reported multiple blasts echoing across the southwestern hub during the ceremony installing the South West State leadership, an event attended by Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre, along with senior federal and regional officials.
The inauguration took place against a backdrop of mounting political strain, with federal authorities at odds with South West State’s leadership in recent months.
Local sources said the shelling appeared aimed at areas of the city as the gathering proceeded, but there were no immediate reports of casualties and details remained unclear.
The ceremony was for South West State leader Aden Madobe, whose victory in a disputed election drew controversy, and brought together officials from across government.
Authorities had yet to release an official statement on the reported strikes or any resulting damage.
Turkish F-16s were deployed to Baidoa ahead of the president’s arrival earlier in the day, and additional troops were sent to the outskirts to deter a potential attack from Lafta-Gareen’s forces.
AXADLETM
