Dahir Maalin Hassan, the commander of the personal protection detail for South West leader Sheikh Aden Madobe, was reportedly killed in fighting in Baidoa on Thursday morning, according to reports from the city.
Hassan was identified as a senior officer responsible for Madobe’s personal security.
His death was reported following heavy clashes between forces loyal to Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen and federal troops supporting Madobe’s administration.
Earlier reports put the preliminary death toll at at least 12 people, including soldiers from both sides and two civilians. Nine civilians were also injured.
Baidoa Regional Hospital confirmed the two civilian deaths and nine injuries. Separately, a senior security officer told Baidoa Online that he had personally seen more than 10 soldiers killed, suggesting the overall toll could exceed the preliminary figure.
Hassan was reported to be among those casualties. His death has therefore not been added separately to the earlier count. Military losses remain unverified, with no breakdown available for either side.
Fighting was reported in the Alfaras, Boonkaay and Al-Ahmar neighbourhoods. Laftagareen-aligned forces reportedly entered parts of Baidoa before retreating. Electricity outages and fires in residential areas were also reported during the clashes.
The fighting forms part of the unresolved dispute over South West State’s leadership. Madobe’s federal-backed administration is based in Baidoa, while Laftagareen leads a rival camp whose forces have operated mainly outside the city.
