Al-Shabaab’s attack on the Dafuur police station near Baidoa left two police officers dead and others injured. The militants carried out the brazen attack on Sunday evening. The al-Qaeda-affiliated group seized control of the station, holding it until Monday morning. Upon their departure, they left a deadly surprise behind.
Baidoa, South West State, SOMALIA. By Dalmar:
Before retreating, the insurgents planted an improvised explosive device (IED) within the police station compound. Tragically, when officers returned to the facility, the IED detonated, causing a devastating explosion.
According to a local reliable source, the blast resulted in the death of two police officers, including the station commander (pictured above), who initially lost a leg but later succumbed to his injuries. At least five other officers survived with injuries.
Election pressures
This incident underscores a concerning deterioration in the security situation in Baidoa, a city already grappling with various challenges. The timing is particularly critical, as local opposition leaders are pressing to hold a presidential election in November, despite the 27 May agreement between the Federal Member States (FMS) and the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) extending the election period by an additional year.
Southwest State’s political elite has been long dissatisfied with their region’s current affairs. Three weeks ago, a meeting took place in Nairobi over several days, involving candidates vying for the presidency of Southwest State, as well as prominent regional politicians.
In a press release issued on 12 September, following the end of the gathering, the attendees expressed deep concerns about the direction of Southwest State. They cited the failure of the incumbent President, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed ‘Laftagareen’, to effectively combat the extremist group al-Shabaab. Moreover, they accused him of using al-Shabaab as a political shield, avoiding responsibility for other regional challenges. Additionally, the press release raised concern about the inability to hold free and fair elections in the State.
