Drones and Fighter Jets Reported in Baidoa Fighting
Drones and fighter jets were reported in the latest fighting in Baidoa, marking a new development in the conflict between forces loyal to former South West President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen and government-aligned forces.
According to reports citing a senior Somali military commander, Laftagareen-aligned forces entered the city with vehicles carrying explosives and explosive drones. A member of the Baidoa presidential guards also said drones were used in attacks against their positions.
Local reports have also alleged that drones carrying explosives were used during the fighting, although some of these claims have not been independently verified.
The reported use of drones adds a new dimension to the fighting in Baidoa, where clashes have previously involved conventional ground weapons.
There were also reports of fighter jets operating around Baidoa during the clashes. However, claims about who carried out specific air attacks, and whether Turkish F-16 aircraft directly participated in the strikes, have not been independently verified.
The fighting has already had a significant impact on civilians. Médecins Sans Frontières said three people were killed and that medical teams treated dozens of people injured in the violence, while access to hospitals was disrupted by blocked roads.
The reported involvement of drones and aircraft raises further concerns about the risks to civilians if aerial weapons become a regular feature of the fighting in Baidoa.
