Forces loyal to an ousted regional leader captured several key towns in southern Somalia, officials and eyewitnesses said Saturday, dealing a significant blow to the federally backed local government.
Several states in the deeply fragmented country oppose President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s control, and in March his government sent troops to oust the head of South West State, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
Since then, Laftagareen has repeatedly tried to retake the region and its main city, Baidoa.
On Saturday, military officials said his forces had taken the towns of Berdale, Dinsoor, Buurhakaba, and Qansaxdheere, as well as Awdiinle town, roughly 30 kilometres (18 miles) from Baidoa, leaving the local government and allies without control of most of the state.