Second Day of Fighting Paralyses Baidoa amid Telecoms Blackout

GOOBJOOG NEWS | BAIDOA: Heavy fighting entered a second day Thursday morning as clashes resumed in Baidoa, the capital of Somalia’s Bay region, causing casualties and knocking out telecommunications across the city, residents and officials said.

The violence spread across several neighbourhoods after forces loyal to the South West regional administration launched an operation targeting the residence of a federal security officer, triggering intense exchanges of gunfire.

The clashes pit regional government forces against armed fighters led by an officer identified as Abdirahman Niishoow, with witnesses reporting sustained gunfire in multiple parts of the city.

The security situation remained highly volatile, with preliminary reports indicating that more than 20 people were wounded. The exact toll could not be independently verified due to a complete shutdown of phone and internet services.

Residents said Baidoa was under a total telecommunications blackout, leaving families unable to contact relatives and raising fears for civilians trapped near the fighting.

There was no immediate comment from federal authorities or the South West administration on efforts to restore communications or contain the violence.