#finalupdate

#FINALUPDATE: Laftagareen Forces Retreat After Four-Hour Battle Inside Baidoa, Sources Say Darawish forces loyal to Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed “Laftagareen” withdrew to the outskirts of Baidoa after entering the city and fighting federal government troops for approximately four hours, according to security sources. The clashes began at around 5:30 a.m. local time on Thursday. The sources described the fighting as intense The fighting affected Alfaras, Suuqa Xoolaha, Boonkaay, Al-Axmaar, Darasalam, Tawfiq and Bukriyey, according to reports from the city. Heavy gunfire and explosions forced civilians to flee affected areas. Some residents reportedly sought shelter at Cambaha Mosque in Galgalgooban, seeking protection inside its concrete structure from stray bullets, rocket-propelled grenades and mortar shells. Earlier reports indicated that several civilian homes caught fire after being struck by rocket-propelled grenades. The extent of the damage, responsibility for the reported strikes and any resulting casualties remained unconfirmed. Electricity service in Baidoa was also cut. The supplier described the shutdown as a precaution to reduce the risk of electric shocks, but no restoration timetable was available. Earlier Claims of Advances Before the reported retreat, Laftagareen-aligned forces were said to have entered several neighbourhoods and contested military positions held by federal troops. They reportedly took control of neighbourhoods between Cunaay and Ceel Cabdi Shiraay and claimed to have captured the Boonkay military base. A senior member of the forces also claimed they had seized three armed vehicles belonging to federal troops. Those claims were not independently verified. The latest account of a withdrawal does not establish which positions either side now holds or whether any captured equipment was taken away. Reports also indicated that a federal military commander had been wounded. No independently confirmed update on the officer’s condition was available, and there was no verified overall casualty toll. Surrender Call During the Battle As fighting continued, Ugaas Hassan, spokesman for the Darawish forces loyal to Laftagareen, posted a message on Facebook urging officers commanding federal troops to surrender immediately. He had earlier announced an offensive to take Baidoa, called on residents to remain indoors and instructed his fighters to avoid harming civilians. The surrender demand preceded the reported retreat. No explanation for the withdrawal from the spokesman was available in the accounts received. Baidoa Online had reported military preparations before the fighting, including movements by Laftagareen-aligned forces outside the city and federal troops digging defensive trenches inside it. Rival Claims to South West Leadership Federal troops in Baidoa support Sheikh Aden Madobe’s administration, which is competing with Laftagareen’s camp for control of South West State. Both administrations claim political legitimacy. Madobe’s administration is based in Baidoa, while Laftagareen’s loyalists had been positioned mainly outside the regional capital before Thursday’s offensive. Despite the reported withdrawal, the security situation remained unclear. There was no confirmed account of the full extent of casualties, damage or displacement, and no indication of when residents who fled could safely return.