BURHAKABA, Somalia — Forces loyal to South West state leader Abdiaziz Laftagareen have taken control of Burhakaba, a town in southwestern Somalia, with Ugaas and Chairman Watiin delivering speeches there following the takeover, according to reports.
Burhakaba is located in the Bay region, about 60 kilometres northeast of Baidoa, the regional capital, and approximately 180 kilometres southwest of Mogadishu.
The reported takeover comes amid heightened political and security tensions in the region, where rival forces are competing for control of territory and influence over the South West state administration.
Somalia’s federal government and the South West administration had not yet commented on the reported loss of Burhakaba at the time of publication.
The development represents a setback for the new administration led by Aadan Madoobe, as the political and security contest over control of the region continues.
Clarify the takeover attributionReplace opinionated setback wording
