After forces loyal to Southwest State's security apparatus—reportedly supported by Somali National Army (SNA) elements—engaged in a violent confrontation with troops under the direct command of the Southwest administration, there have been intense heavy weapon exchanges in Baydhabo, especially near the city's main livestock market. The conflict has led to a dangerous escalation of internal power struggles within the region's security forces.
Large military trucks belonging to the Somali National Army (SNA) pushed deep into the city’s interior on Monday, but the expected public fanfare was absent. Residents looked on with what witnesses described as “emotional numbness”—neither welcoming nor resisting the heavy deployment.
Fresh from his re-election victory, the President of Southwest State has pledged to consolidate security gains, accelerate development projects, and expand healthcare services, asking for continued support to “complete what remains” of his administration’s agenda.
Kenyan security forces killed two suspected Al-Shabaab militants and wounded several others in a targeted operation near the Somalia border. The raid, conducted by the elite Special Operations Group, was carried out based on intelligence about a planned infiltration ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebrations.
In an unprecedented parliamentary broadside, MP Dr. Abdillahi Hashi Abib has formally accused Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur Jama of treason, alleging the Cabinet member is a foreign agent who looted US aid, facilitates Al-Shabaab operations, and is orchestrating atrocities in South-West State.
South West State has issued a stern warning to all airlines operating in its territory, threatening to revoke operating permits for any carrier found illegally transporting weapons or military forces. Officials accused the federal government of using both military and civilian aircraft to arm "unknown hands" and destabilize the region.
South West State has issued a general amnesty to Somali Armed Forces personnel, accusing the federal government of turning national troops into militias used to displace civilians. The state has also opened its upcoming parliamentary and presidential elections to all citizens, guaranteeing security and banning illegal weapons.
