Federal Troops Make Second Advance on Buurhakaba After Reported Loss of Three Armored Vehicles

The Federal Government of Somalia’s renewed advance towards Buurhakaba follows an earlier failed attempt in which Al-Shabaab reportedly destroyed or disabled three armoured vehicles. The federal government has yet to disclose the number of soldiers killed or wounded in the attack, raising questions about transparency as the confrontation with South West State intensifies.

BUURHAKABA, BAY REGION (WDN) — Somali federal government forces advanced towards Buurhakaba on Saturday, departing from positions at Camp Shino and Bali-Doogle in what appears to be a second attempt to reach the town after an earlier operation reportedly ended in failure.

During the first advance, Al-Shabaab fighters reportedly attacked the federal convoy on the road, resulting in the loss of three armoured vehicles. The attack is also reported to have caused military casualties, but the number of soldiers killed or wounded remains undisclosed. The Federal Government has yet to publish an official account of the losses.

The absence of casualty figures has raised questions about the transparency surrounding an operation taking place amid an increasingly dangerous political confrontation between Mogadishu and South West State.

A witness in Wanlaweyn reported seeing military convoys moving towards Buurhakaba on Saturday morning. An elite Danab unit was reportedly leading the latest advance, checking the route for suspected roadside explosives.

Critics argue that the military operation must be viewed in the context of Mogadishu’s dispute with South West State President Abdiaziz Laftagareen. They fear that federal pressure intended to displace his administration could turn a political struggle into a wider armed confrontation. The federal government has yet to clarify publicly the precise objectives of the latest advance.

Buurhakaba braces for a possible battle

Reports from the area indicate that Al-Shabaab has deployed fighters towards Buurhakaba, where forces loyal to Laftagareen are reportedly positioned.

Laftagareen-aligned forces say they intend to confront federal troops at defensive positions outside the town, warning that an assault could trigger heavy fighting.

A local official said rain, suspected explosives and defensive preparations along the roads could delay the federal forces’ arrival.

The combination of a renewed federal advance, the reported Al-Shabaab deployment and preparations by regional forces raises the risk of clashes that could endanger civilians and disrupt local trade and movement.

Political confrontation could benefit Al-Shabaab

The advance is unfolding against a wider struggle over South West State’s political future and Mogadishu’s role in determining its leadership. If the operation is connected to efforts to remove Laftagareen, it could deepen mistrust between the federal government and federal member states, further weakening Somalia’s fragile federal system.

The reported loss of three armoured vehicles in the earlier attack also highlights the risks facing federal troops as they move through territory where Al-Shabaab remains capable of mounting attacks.

A confrontation between federal and regional forces would divert resources from the campaign against the militant group and could create security gaps for Al-Shabaab to exploit. The reported deployment of its fighters towards Buurhakaba makes that danger especially concerning.

The federal government should disclose the casualties and material losses from the first operation, explain the circumstances of the reported attack and clarify the objectives of its renewed advance. Public accountability is particularly important when military operations carry significant risks for soldiers and civilians alike.

Dialogue is urgently needed

Federal authorities should explain the legal and operational basis for the renewed advance, while South West State leaders should prioritise civilian protection. Both sides should pursue dialogue before the confrontation develops into a wider conflict.

Somalia cannot afford to open another front in an already difficult security struggle. If the South West State crisis descends into fighting, Al-Shabaab could become one of its principal beneficiaries.

The second advance towards Buurhakaba is more than a military operation. It raises urgent questions about the human and material costs of the first attempt, the transparency of federal military operations and whether political disputes are pushing Somalia towards a confrontation that could weaken the fight against Al-Shabaab.

WardheerNews