Fresh fighting has erupted around Baidoa in southwestern Somalia, forcing civilians to flee as political tensions deepen in the region.
The clashes involve Somali government forces and militias loyal to former South West state President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen. Al-Shabaab fighters were also reported to have been involved.
The fighting is linked to a wider political dispute over control of South West state.
Baidoa is particularly sensitive because it is a major humanitarian centre and home to more than half a million people displaced by conflict and drought.
A local hospital reported receiving 24 wounded people and one civilian death following Thursday’s violence.
The renewed fighting raises concerns that political disagreements could further complicate Somalia’s security situation and humanitarian crisis.
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