Somali Federal Forces Clash with Al-Shabaab Near Baidoa Amid Political Tensions
Somali federal forces advancing toward the city of Baidoa were ambushed by Al-Shabaab militants near Daynuunaay on March 29, 2026. The Somali government reported that 20 insurgents were killed during the ensuing battle and subsequent airstrikes, while Al-Shabaab claimed to have killed 15 soldiers. The military movement follows a political dispute over the re-election of Southwest State President Abdiasis Laftagaren, whom the federal government has recently accused of maintaining operational links with the terrorist group.