BAIDOA (SD) – Government forces that departed from Buur Hakaba today have now arrived on the outskirts of Baidoa, according to confirmed reports.

The troops have been conducting mine-sweeping operations on the city’s periphery, following local sources who confirmed that numerous landmines had been planted in the area.

According to planned operations, these forces—comprising 80 military vehicles—are expected to enter Baidoa tomorrow.

Meanwhile, security sources indicate that senior officers and a significant portion of the South West State forces, recently trained by President Laftagareen, have defected to the federal government side.

The security and political situation in Baidoa and across the South West region has become highly volatile in recent hours, marked by troop movements and rapid political realignments.

Some reports suggest that Ethiopian forces in the area have made clear they will not intervene if conflict erupts in Baidoa—a significant shift in their security role within the region.

On the other side, the Daraawiish forces of the South West administration have reportedly been placed on high alert, positioning themselves to counter any potential assault from opposing factions.

Local sources describe tonight as unlike previous nights, with widespread fear that heavy fighting could break out in the coming hours.

The escalating tensions follow today’s snap election in which South West President Abdiasis Laftagareen secured another victory. The election has generated significant political controversy and further inflamed power struggles within the regional administration.

This volatile situation has raised serious concerns among the international community and humanitarian organizations, who warn that armed conflict in Baidoa could trigger mass displacement and worsen an already fragile humanitarian situation.

The situation in Baidoa, located in South West State, Somalia, reflects a rapidly escalating political and military crisis driven by a disputed election that reaffirmed President Abdiasis Laftagareen.

Federal-aligned forces advancing from Buur Hakaba toward the city—while conducting mine-clearing operations—suggest imminent confrontation, especially as reports indicate defections from regional forces to the federal side, weakening local authority.

The reported decision by Ethiopia not to intervene removes a key stabilizing factor, increasing the likelihood of unchecked conflict between opposing factions, including the Darawish forces now on high alert.

Although based partly on unverified local sources, the developments point to a high risk of imminent fighting, potential civilian displacement, and broader regional instability if tensions are not quickly de-escalated.