Security

New video footage from Baidoa shows the Federal Government of Somalia’s minister of livestock, Hassan Hussein Mohamed (Eelay), entering the city in bulletproof vehicles provided by Turkey. The move signals heightened official presence in the strategic hub.

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.

Somali security forces, supported by international partners, have killed more than 42 al-Shabaab militants, including two high-ranking leaders, in coordinated operations in the Middle Juba and Lower Shabelle regions. The strikes targeted the group’s external operations chief and its intelligence head responsible for suicide bombings.

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.