Laftagareen forces seize major towns in Somalia's Bay region

Forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen have seized control of several strategic districts in Somalia’s Bay region. Following a rapid counter-offensive, Laftagareen’s Dervish forces captured Qansahdheere, Buurhakaba, Berdaale, Diinsoor, and Awdiinle.

In Buurhakaba, heavy fighting reportedly forced federal and regional government troops to withdraw. While much of the advance occurred without major combat, the momentum has left Baidoa as the only major town in the region still under federal government control.

Laftagareen, who was toppled from his presidency in March, maintains that his operations aim to “restore security, restore stability, and uphold law and order.” His office stated the movement seeks to protect the constitutional institutions of the South West State. Meanwhile, the current administration has disputed his claims, and there are unconfirmed reports of negotiations regarding the potential handover of Baidoa.