Clashes Erupt in Baidoa as Forces Loyal to Former Leader Launch Attack

Heavy fighting has broken out in Baidoa, the administrative capital of Southwestern State, Somalia. Forces loyal to former regional president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed 'Laftagareen' have attacked the city, facing off against Somali Federal Government troops and forces supporting the current Southwestern leader Sheikh Aden Madobe. The attack began early on September 3, with explosions intended to cause panic among civilians. The fighting has spread to several neighborhoods, and while it is not yet clear who controls the city or individual neighborhoods, the Somali Ministry of Defense claims to have decisively defeated the attacking militias, inflicting heavy losses. The attack is part of an ongoing power struggle between the Somali government and Laftagareen over control of the Southwest State.