Renewed fighting erupts in Baidoa, Somalia as tensions rise

In Baidoa, Somalia, renewed fighting erupted early Thursday between government forces and militias, leading to heavy gunfire and civilians fleeing their homes. The Somalia Defense Ministry reported that government forces responded to an attack by fighters loyal to former South West state President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen and the extremist group al-Shabab. The clashes are part of a political dispute over control of the South West state, with casualties reported including 71 wounded and one dead civilian.