Laftagareen forces seize Buurhakaba in Somalia's Bay region

Forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen claimed to have seized control of Buurhakaba in Somalia’s Bay region following heavy fighting on Thursday. The assault targeted positions held by Somali federal troops and forces supporting the current South West administration.

Buurhakaba is a strategic town located on the road connecting Mogadishu and Baidoa. Following the clashes, Laftagareen-aligned fighters reportedly entered various neighborhoods. A spokesperson for the former president stated that the Dervish forces had entered the district to restore law and order. Reports indicated that federal troops were captured during the takeover.

This development follows the recent loss of the town of Qansah-dhere and marks a widening of the armed struggle between Laftagareen’s supporters and the federal-backed administration. Laftagareen was removed from power earlier this year, and his forces have since engaged in guerrilla warfare against federal and regional authorities in the region.