BUURHAKABA, Somalia, October 15, 2026 — At least 14 people, including two civilians and 11 soldiers, have reportedly been killed and 33 others injured in heavy clashes between rival forces in Buurhakaba, a strategic town in Somalia’s Bay region, according to hospital sources and senior security officials.
Emergency departments at two private hospitals in Buurhakaba reported receiving 15 injured people and recording three civilian deaths following Thursday’s fighting.
Separately, two senior security officials told Baidoa Online that at least 11 soldiers from both sides had been killed and 18 others wounded during the clashes.
The figures suggest a combined toll of 14 deaths and 33 injuries, although it remains unclear whether the injury figures provided by hospitals and security officials may report differently.
Rival Forces Clash Over Control of Buurhakaba
The fighting erupted on Thursday between forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed, widely known as Laftagareen, and forces aligned with the rival South West State administration associated with Somali Parliament Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur, commonly known as Aden Madobe.
The confrontation is part of an escalating political and military struggle over control of South West State, particularly strategic towns in the Bay region.
Laftagareen-aligned Darawish forces launched an offensive against positions held by their rivals in Buurhakaba, triggering intense exchanges of gunfire as both sides fought for control of the town.
Reports indicated that Laftagareen’s forces entered Buurhakaba following the fighting and subsequently claimed control of the town. Celebrations were later reported among supporters welcoming the arrival of the Darawish forces.
However, the full extent of territorial control and the military situation following the clashes could not be independently established.
Civilian Deaths and Injuries Reported
The reported civilian casualties have raised concerns about the consequences of the fighting for residents of Buurhakaba.
According to information from the emergency departments of two private hospitals, medical personnel received 15 wounded people and reported two civilian deaths.
The identities of those killed, the severity of the injuries and the circumstances surrounding the civilian deaths were not immediately available.
Meanwhile, the two senior security officials who spoke to Baidoa Online reported that 12 soldiers had been killed across the opposing forces, with another 18 wounded.
The officials did not provide a breakdown of military casualties for each side.
Political Rivalry Fuels Fighting
Buurhakaba has become a key flashpoint in the broader confrontation between Laftagareen’s supporters and the rival administration aligned with Aden Madobe.
The dispute reflects deepening divisions over political authority, territorial control and the command of regional security forces.
The latest clashes highlight the risk of further armed confrontations as rival factions attempt to consolidate their positions across the Bay region.
The fighting also comes amid growing concern over the safety of civilians living in areas contested by the opposing forces.
As of Thursday, neither side had released a comprehensive, independently verifiable account of the casualties.
The reported death toll stands at 14, including two civilians and 11 soldiers, while as many as 33 injuries have been reported. The final casualty figures remain uncertain, particularly because the hospital and security reports may include overlapping cases.