Witnesses report that at least 15 people have been killed and dozens injured in clashes between rival armed groups in Somalia. The fighting began late Saturday in the southern city of Baidoa. The cause of the conflict is a power struggle within the New Resistance Army. According to the Associated Press, checkpoints controlled by forces loyal to Colonel Mohamed Noor Shargodoo were attacked by forces loyal to his two deputies, Sheikh Aden Madobe and Mohamed Ibrahim Habsadeh. The deputies want Colonel Shargodoo to resign from the leadership of the New Resistance Army now that he has been elected as the head of the regional government.
❓ Unknown
Internal Conflicts in Somalia - 2002-07-28
Feb 12, 2026
February 12, 2026
1 min read
📰 VOA Persian
📋 Key Takeaway
Clashes in Baidoa, Somalia, resulted in at least 15 deaths and many injuries due to a power struggle within the New Resistance Army. Colonel Mohamed Noor Shargodoo's deputies are challenging his leadership following his election as head of the regional government. This internal conflict highlights ongoing instability in Somalia.
🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line:
The internal conflict within the New Resistance Army underscores the ongoing instability in Somalia and its potential repercussions for regional security.
👥 Key Players
Colonel Mohamed Noor Shargodoo
MENTIONED
Leader of the New Resistance Army and head of the regional government
"His leadership position is crucial for stability in the region and influences power dynamics among armed groups."
Sheikh Aden Madobe
MENTIONED
Deputy of Colonel Shargodoo
"His challenge to Shargodoo's leadership reflects internal divisions that can destabilize governance in the area."
Mohamed Ibrahim Habsadeh
MENTIONED
Deputy of Colonel Shargodoo
"As a key figure in the power struggle, his actions can significantly impact the conflict's outcome and regional stability."
📰 What Happened
Clashes in Baidoa, Somalia, resulted in at least 15 deaths and numerous injuries due to a power struggle within the New Resistance Army. The fighting erupted between forces loyal to Colonel Shargodoo and those supporting his deputies, who are demanding his resignation.
- At least 15 people killed and dozens injured in the clashes.
- The conflict is rooted in a power struggle within the New Resistance Army.
💡 Why It Matters
🇮🇷 For Iran: While Somalia is not directly related to Iran, instability in regions like Somalia can affect broader geopolitical dynamics that Iran is involved in.
🌍 Regional: The conflict highlights the fragility of governance in Somalia and could lead to further violence, impacting neighboring countries.
🌐 International: International stakeholders may need to address the implications of such conflicts on humanitarian grounds and regional security.
📚 Background
Somalia has faced decades of civil war and instability, with various armed groups vying for power. The New Resistance Army is one of the factions involved in this struggle.
Somali Civil War
Regional Governance in the Horn of Africa
📡 Source:
NEUTRAL
📊 Confidence:
70%
The Associated Press is generally regarded as a reliable news source, providing factual reporting without overt bias.
🏷️ Entities Mentioned
🌐
Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →
Translation confidence: 85%
📰 Related Coverage
22 min ago •
Brazilian Sedge Reproduces Sexually Without Genetic Reshuffling, Producing Clonal Offspring
22 min ago •
H5N1 Bird Flu Claims Life of Australian Sea Lion, Raises Concerns for Marine Wildlife
32 min ago •
Palestinians Rely on Local Radio for Updates Amid Israeli Attacks
32 min ago •
Scientists Successfully Transport Antiprotons by Road for the First Time
32 min ago •