Southwest Somalia president orders regional forces to counter federal troops
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Southwest state President Abdiasis Laftagaren on Saturday ordered regional forces to respond decisively to federal government–aligned troops, sharply escalating tensions in a widening political and security standoff he alleges is being directed by Villa Somalia. Speaking to newly graduated regional forces, Laftagaren called for discipline and vigilance, urging them to preserve stability […]
Black News 
MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Southwest state President Abdiasis Laftagaren on Saturday ordered regional forces to respond decisively to federal government–aligned troops, sharply escalating tensions in a widening political and security standoff he alleges is being directed by Villa Somalia.
Speaking to newly graduated regional forces, Laftagaren called for discipline and vigilance, urging them to preserve stability across the state amid what he described as efforts by the federal government to undermine his administration. His remarks come as clashes intensify and troop movements increase in several parts of Southwest state.
The crisis escalated last week when federal troops, airlifted from Mogadishu, seized the Southwest state presidential palace in Barawe. Regional forces stationed at the compound fled by boat as federal-aligned units took control.
Authorities in Jubaland said they had rescued the forces who escaped by sea and signaled readiness to support Laftagaren, pledging to send troops to the region to counter federal pressure.
Meanwhile, reports of fighting emerged Friday near Baidoa, where regional forces and federal-aligned troops are said to have clashed. Casualty figures were not immediately available.
The confrontation underscores deepening friction between Somalia’s federal government and its member states, with Southwest state rapidly becoming a focal point in the country’s fragile political landscape.
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