South West State forces repel Al-Shabaab attack near Baidoa, kill several militants

South West State forces repelled a pre-dawn attack by Al-Shabaab militants on a military outpost in the Maanya-Fuulka area, on the outskirts of Baidoa, on Thursday, following hours of intense clashes.

According to regional officials, the militants launched the assault in the early hours, sparking heavy exchanges of gunfire and artillery. The army said several fighters were killed during the fighting, including at least one foreign combatant.

In the aftermath of the battle, residents gathered in large numbers to view the bodies of slain militants. Images circulating from Baidoa showed Al-Shabaab fighters’ bodies laid out in public.

Security officials confirmed that government forces also suffered losses, with a senior officer and several soldiers killed in the fighting, according to sources who spoke to local media.

The South West administration said it would continue military operations in the area to prevent further militant activity.

Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West State, has remained under siege by Al-Shabaab for nearly a decade, with road access severely restricted. The group maintains a strong presence in parts of central and southern Somalia.