Baidoa Security Crisis: Heavy fighting erupted in Somalia’s Baidoa as Laftagareen-aligned forces attacked federal positions, with both sides claiming control of parts of the city and residents reporting shelling and drone use; casualty figures were not independently confirmed. Mogadishu Governance: Somalia’s parliament speaker says he will cut salaries and stipends for about 50 lawmakers who miss assembly meetings, including some ministers, starting this September. Counterterrorism Claims: Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre denied paying Al-Shabaab to keep Mogadishu secure, saying the government fights the group and only considers talks with those willing to renounce its ideology. Economy Under Pressure: President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud told the UN that Strait of Hormuz disruptions cut Somalia’s customs-based revenue by about 40%, driving up food, fuel, transport and insurance costs. Maritime Hostage Update: Families of 10 Pakistani sailors held by Somali pirates say they lost contact with the crew and do not know their whereabouts. Diplomacy & External Ties: Somalia and China marked the launch of a Somalia-China Youth Center for Friendship and Cooperation, with officials framing it as a people-to-people boost to the strategic partnership. Regional Politics: Nigeria renewed its push for a UN Security Council permanent seat with veto power, arguing Africa’s exclusion undermines the council’s credibility. Somalia in UN Spotlight: A UNGA walkout during Netanyahu’s speech included Somalia among countries leaving the chamber.