Heavy Fighting in Baidoa Injures Children and Damages Hospital

In Baidoa, Somalia, a vehicle‑borne improvised explosive device detonated near the district hospital, severely injuring medical staff, patients and caretakers, including a two‑year‑old girl. The blast also damaged the maternity ward, outpatient and waiting areas, water facilities, the security gate, and an ambulance, with part of the roof caving in and trapping patients. At least 17 children were reported injured, and a mortar strike killed a community health worker. Three health facilities were damaged and an ambulance seized. Child‑rights groups—Save the Children, World Vision, Plan International and SOS Children’s Villages—have urged all parties to protect civilians, respect international humanitarian law and allow unhindered humanitarian access. The violence comes amid a deepening hunger crisis; an IPC analysis projects that 26,000 displaced residents could face catastrophic hunger between October and December, one step from famine.