Somalia says nearly 30 militants killed in Baidoa clashes

Somalia's federal government said its forces killed nearly 30 militants after troops loyal to ousted South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen attacked army positions in Baidoa on Monday.

The government said the assault on the state capital began at about 5:00 am and was carried out with help from Al-Shabaab militants. It said the attack involved vehicles laden with explosives.

A spokesperson for Laftagareen's administration claimed their fighters held parts of Baidoa, but witnesses told AFP they were soon forced out.

Resident Adan Nurey said there was fighting in several areas and that federal troops later regained full control of the city. Another resident, Salad Ali, said there were deaths, injuries and prisoners, and that he saw several bodies on the road, but could not give an exact number.

Doctors Without Borders, known by its French initials MSF, confirmed fighting in Baidoa and said several casualties had reached a hospital. It said it could not provide further details and that the clashes had taken place on two fronts.

The federal government sent troops in March to oust Laftagareen. He launched a failed attempt to retake the state in May.

Somalia's government is also fighting a long-running insurgency by Al-Shabaab, which controls large areas of central Somalia.