The Ministry of Defence of Somalia says Somali security forces killed dozens of militants during an overnight military operation on the outskirts of Baidoa.
In a statement issued on Friday, the ministry said the operation targeted fighters described by the government as “Khawarij” — a term Somali authorities use to refer to the militant group Al-Shabaab — as well as allied armed groups accused of destabilising the region.
According to the ministry, the operation was launched following what it described as an ambush carried out on Thursday morning against Somali security forces near Baidoa.
The statement said approximately 50 militants were killed during the operation. It also claimed that military vehicles and equipment used by the armed groups had been destroyed.
The ministry further alleged that militias loyal to Abdiasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen had collaborated with Al-Shabaab fighters during the attack.
Officials accused the militias of becoming “an arm serving terrorism” and warned that groups supporting militants would face legal action.
The government also extended condolences to members of the Somali National Army who were killed in the fighting, describing them as heroes who died defending the country.
The claims made by the ministry could not be independently verified.
Fighting around Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West State, has intensified in recent months amid ongoing operations against Al-Shabaab and political tensions involving regional armed groups.
