SNA’s Bid to Retake Buurhakaba Fails After Al-Shabaab Ambush

Federal special forces reportedly lose two armoured vehicles in an ambush near Jamaada as government troops retreat to their bases, dealing a setback to Mogadishu’s effort to recover territory in Bay region.

BUURHAKABA, Bay Region (WDN) — An attempt by Somali federal forces to recapture Buurhakaba district from forces aligned with former South West State president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Laftagareen) has reportedly failed after government troops were ambushed by Al-Shabaab fighters near the settlement of Jamaada.

Local sources told WardheerNews (WDN) that the fighting inflicted casualties on both sides, with federal forces reportedly suffering the heavier losses. Two armoured vehicles were said to have been destroyed in the clash.

According to information provided by residents familiar with the incident, the government troops were advancing towards Buurhakaba when Al-Shabaab fighters struck them from positions along the route. The federal forces reportedly had not anticipated the militants’ presence, leaving them vulnerable to the ambush.

The sources said government troops subsequently withdrew to their bases rather than continuing towards Buurhakaba. Their retreat indicates that the operation failed to achieve its immediate objective of retaking the district.

The reported casualties and destruction of the vehicles could not be independently verified, and no official casualty figures were immediately available.

Setback for Mogadishu’s Military Campaign

The operation involved members of the Somali National Army’s Danab special forces and the Gorgor commandos. Their reported setback comes after federal authorities had projected confidence that government troops could advance on Buurhakaba and reverse recent territorial losses in Bay region.

The planned offensive was expected to mark the first major attempt by federal forces to recover territory following the capture of several districts in the region during the previous week.

The loss of Buurhakaba and other locations has intensified the political and security crisis in South West State, where rival forces are contesting control of territory and the authority to govern. The federal administration has supported the authorities in Baidoa, while forces aligned with Laftagareen have made territorial gains.

The latest ambush demonstrates the difficulties facing Mogadishu as it seeks to regain ground. Even units trained and equipped for specialised operations can face serious setbacks when advancing through areas where armed opponents retain the ability to conduct ambushes and plant explosives.

Al-Shabaab Exploits the Security Vacuum

The reported encounter also highlights the wider threat posed by Al-Shabaab in Bay and neighbouring regions. While federal forces and their allies are preoccupied with the struggle over South West State’s political leadership and territorial control, the militant group continues to operate along rural routes and in areas where security remains fragile.

The presence of Al-Shabaab near the route to Buurhakaba raises questions about the intelligence available to government commanders and their ability to secure roads before launching an offensive. The reported destruction of two armoured vehicles, if confirmed, would underline the operational risks facing forces advancing without adequate information about enemy positions.

The incident also illustrates how political and military confrontation between Somali actors can complicate efforts to contain the insurgency. Disputes over regional authority have created an additional layer of instability in an area where civilians already face insecurity and disruption to travel and commerce.

For now, the reported withdrawal of federal troops means Buurhakaba remains beyond the reach of the operation’s immediate objective . Mogadishu’s ability to retake the district will depend not only on deploying more forces, but also on reliable intelligence, effective planning and a broader strategy for securing territory after military advances.

The failed push is a reminder that public declarations of confidence cannot substitute for results on the ground. Until federal forces can advance without being ambushed and establish lasting security in recovered areas, the struggle for Bay region will remain uncertain—and Al-Shabaab will continue to exploit the gaps left by Somalia’s competing security priorities.

WardheerNews