Somalia’s Southwest State forces capture armed men after clashes near Baidoa

Friday March 20, 2026

Baidoa (AX) — Southwest State security forces said they detained several armed men on the outskirts of Baidoa on Thursday after intense clashes with fighters aligned with the regional opposition.

Officials said in a statement that the detainees belong to opposition groups they allege are linked to the Federal Government of Somalia. Mogadishu has not commented on the accusation.

One of the captured men told local media he is from Buurhakaba district and dropped his weapon when the shooting began. He said other fighters, including some carrying PKM machine guns, pulled back as the battle escalated.

Mohamed Ali Ibrahim, the Southwest presidency’s spokesperson, said one of those in custody was among youths recently armed in Buurhakaba. He accused unnamed figures of luring young men into militia ranks under false pretenses.

Authorities further alleged that some combatants wore uniforms resembling those of the Somali armed forces, claiming such attire was distributed to militias to stoke unrest in the region.

Residents reported sustained gunfire and mortar fire during the confrontation, with blasts reaching parts of Baidoa. Local sources said there were casualties, including deaths and injuries, though Southwest officials have not released verified numbers.

The incident comes on the heels of recent fighting in Buurhakaba district, where armed groups linked to Southwest opposition factions reportedly seized control after clashes with regional forces.

Opposition groups in Southwest continue to press for regional elections, asserting the current administration’s mandate expired a year ago and accusing state leaders of stalling the vote.

Southwest State President Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen has accused Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of obstructing regional elections since 2022, saying federal leaders blocked states from holding independent polls.

“In September 2022, all the regional state leaders were present at the National Consultative Council meeting. I requested that we hold elections. The president told us that we will not hold elections, but they will be merged,” Laftagareen said.

The standoff unfolds amid broader strains over constitutional amendments and Somalia’s electoral framework, with ties between Mogadishu and several federal member states fraying in recent weeks. Analysts warn the spiral could further disrupt coordination on security and governance as key political deadlines near.