Somalia forces clash near Baidoa, toll unclear

Forces loyal to ousted South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen clashed with federal soldiers near Baidoa in southwestern Somalia, officials and witnesses said Monday.

The fighting began as Somali security forces established new defensive positions in Burjeedka, a small settlement near Baidoa.

South West State information minister Nur Siidow Baaba said a large operation had begun and that federal forces were advancing in several directions to restore state authority in areas recently lost.

Somali army commander Abdullahi Hassan said government forces inflicted casualties and that two soldiers were killed. A pro-Laftagareen commander, Hassan Abdulkadir Mohamed, claimed his forces remained in control and had forced federal troops to retreat to Baidoa.

Witness Nur Yare said residents in Baidoa heard explosions and gunfire along the road to Mogadishu early Monday and saw reinforcements leaving the city toward the fighting.

The full casualty toll remains unknown. Both sides acknowledged losses in the clash.