Intense fighting erupted Monday in Baidoa between the Somali Federal Army, aided by Turkish fighter jets, and a militia supporting the former authorities of the South West State, equipped with loitering munitions drones. This marks the fourth major offensive by supporters of former South West Governor Abdiaziz Laftagareen against the city since being ousted by the federal army following escalating tensions with the government of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. A high-ranking federal army official claimed Laftagareen’s forces have allied with the Islamist al-Shabaab insurgents to attack the city, an accusation the ex-governor's supporters deny. The army reported inflicting heavy losses on the attackers and regaining control of Baidoa, a claim corroborated by local residents. The assailants reportedly used explosive-laden vehicles and kamikaze drones, a rare sight in Somalia, according to a palace guard. Pro-Laftagareen spokespersons continue to deny any connection with al-Shabaab, asserting the conflict is solely between their forces and those representing the federal government.