Story perspectives

Somali troops retake Baidoa amid civilian casualties and injuries

8/19/2026

Summary

Somali Troops Repel

Somali federal troops drove opposition forces out of Baidoa on Monday.
The Defence Ministry said attackers used vehicle-borne explosives, killing about 30 people.
Doctors Without Borders reported at least four civilian deaths and 98 injuries in the fighting.
Officials said the city remained under government control despite Laftagareen’s camp claiming to have captured the city centre.

Summary

President Announces Offensive

President Hasán Sheij Mohamud announced a “final offensive” for July to defeat Al Shabaab.
State leader Sheikh Aadan Mohamed Nur (Madoobe) chaired Baidoa meetings to consolidate authority and address security.
The Ministry of Defence said investment in intelligence, forces and humanitarian-law compliance is needed to protect civilians.
Officials warned that corruption, clan grievances and economic marginalisation could undermine stability while international allies coordinate with clans and militias to locate militants.

History

Historical Context

After Ethiopia sent about 5,000 troops into Somalia in 2006 to topple the Islamic Courts Union, the occupation sparked a two-year insurgency that expanded al-Shabaab from roughly six hundred fighters to several thousand. The group’s entrenched presence now underpins the Baidoa offensive launched by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and clan leader Sheikh Aadan Nur.

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Somali Troops Repel

Somali federal troops drove opposition forces out of Baidoa on Monday.
The Defence Ministry said attackers used vehicle-borne explosives, killing about 30 people.
Doctors Without Borders reported at least four civilian deaths and 98 injuries in the fighting.
Officials said the city remained under government control despite Laftagareen’s camp claiming to have captured the city centre.

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