Somalia: Clashes Erupt in Baidoa Between Southwest State Forces and Opposition-Linked Fighters

Somalia: Clashes Erupt in Baidoa Between Southwest State Forces and Opposition-Linked Fighters

Baidoa, March 16 -- Heavy fighting broke out on Monday in Baidoa between security forces loyal to the Southwest State of Somalia and fighters said to be aligned with opposition groups, witnesses said.

Southwest State authority denied reports of fighting in Baidoa last night.

The information minister of Southwest State, Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Bilaal, has strongly denied reports of armed skirmishes in Baidoa last night, as circulated on social media. In an interview with local media, he stated that the situation in Baidoa is calm and business is proceeding as usual. While there were reports of mortars being fired at the Southwest state military base and troops responding with fire, the minister clarified that he is curre…