MOGADISHU, Somalia — Somali government forces have airlifted additional troops to the southwestern city of Baidoa following a recent operation that brought it under federal control.
The troops, flown from Mogadishu, reinforced units that seized Baidoa and removed South West State President Abdulaziz Laftagareen from power.
The federal government is now reported to fully control Baidoa, which serves as the interim administrative capital of South West State region.
The deployment comes as President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud is expected to visit Baidoa to assess the situation following major political changes.
During the visit, the president is expected to meet allied politicians and community leaders to discuss the transitional phase and future elections.
Meanwhile, parliamentary speaker Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur (Madobe) is in Baidoa holding meetings with officers who led the operation removing Laftagareen.
Authorities say the situation remains calm in Baidoa, two days after federal forces carried out a military operation in the city.
