Thursday October 15, 2026
Baidoa (HOL) — Forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen claimed Thursday to have taken control of Buurhakaba after heavy fighting with federal and regional government forces in the Bay region.
The clashes began in the morning after Laftagareen-aligned fighters attacked positions held by Somali federal troops and forces supporting the current South West administration, according to residents and local sources.
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Heavy gunfire was reported across several parts of Buurhakaba, and residents said fighters loyal to Laftagareen entered neighborhoods inside the town.
It was not immediately possible to independently determine which side controlled Buurhakaba, and federal authorities and the current South West administration had not publicly commented on the fighting.
Hassan Abdi, a former spokesperson for the South West administration who is now aligned with Laftagareen, said in a video posted on social media that the former president’s Dervish forces had entered the town.
“South West State Dervish forces have entered the district and restored law and order; no one will be specifically targeted,” Hassan said. “The public should welcome the troops, and those who fled should surrender.”
“I am speaking right now from the center of Buurhakaba district, and the forces will remain here,” he added.
The claim could not immediately be independently verified.
Thursday’s confrontation marks a widening of the armed struggle between Laftagareen’s forces and the federal-backed South West administration beyond Baidoa, the regional capital, where the rival sides have fought several times since March.
Laftagareen was removed from power earlier this year after federal forces took control of Baidoa during a dispute over the leadership of South West State. His supporters have since mounted repeated attacks against federal and regional forces and remain active in parts of Bay region.
The federal government has accused Laftagareen and some of his allies of maintaining links with al-Shabab, allegations they deny.
Earlier this week, Somalia’s National Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Committee placed Laftagareen and nine others on a financial sanctions list over suspected links to al-Shabab and ordered their assets frozen. The committee said it had reviewed information and evidence concerning suspected cooperation with or financial support for the militant group but did not publicly disclose evidence against each individual.
Buurhakaba lies northwest of Baidoa along a strategic road linking the regional capital with Mogadishu. Control of the town is important for movement between Bay region and southern Somalia.
The latest fighting raises the prospect of a broader confrontation in Bay region at a time when Somali forces are also battling al-Shabab across southern and central Somalia.