BAY REGION, SOMALIA | October 16, 2026-Four of Bay Region’s five district centres are now reportedly under the control of forces loyal to South West State leader Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Lafta Gareen), leaving Baidoa as the only remaining district centre outside their control amid escalating political and military tensions.
South West State Darwish forces loyal to Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Lafta Gareen) have reportedly taken control of Diinsoor district centre on Friday night, October 16, marking the fourth district centre in Bay Region to come under the control of forces aligned with the regional leader.
The latest development represents a significant setback for the Federal Government of Somalia, which has been seeking to strengthen its influence in South West State amid an intensifying political and security confrontation with Lafta Gareen’s administration.
According to a senior security official and a Baidoa Online reporter on the ground, Lafta Gareen-aligned Darwish forces have deployed across central Diinsoor, including strategic locations within the town.
The reported takeover follows a series of territorial changes across Bay Region in recent days, raising questions about the federal government’s ability to maintain its positions and consolidate its authority in the region.
Four District Centres Reportedly Under Lafta Gareen’s Control
According to reports gathered by Baidoa Online, forces aligned with Lafta Gareen have established control over four of Bay Region’s five district centres in just over a week.
The reported territorial changes are as follows:
- Qansax-Dheere — October 8: Reportedly captured by Lafta Gareen-aligned forces.
- Buurhakaba — October 15: Reportedly came under the control of Lafta Gareen-aligned forces following military developments in the district.
- Berdaale — October 16: Reportedly captured after federal government-aligned forces withdrew from key positions.
- Diinsoor — October 16: Reportedly captured by South West State Darwish forces, with deployments observed in the town centre.
- Baidoa — Remains outside their reported control: The regional capital is facing heightened uncertainty and concerns over possible further military escalation.
The rapid succession of reported territorial gains indicates a substantial change in the security landscape of Bay Region, where competing political and military authorities have been struggling to establish control.
Major Setback for the Federal Government’s South West State Strategy
The reported loss of four district centres in Bay Region presents a major challenge to the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts to expand its political and security influence in South West State.
The latest developments suggest that federal government-aligned forces have encountered considerable difficulties maintaining their positions outside Baidoa, while forces loyal to Lafta Gareen have reportedly expanded their territorial presence.
The reported capture of Diinsoor is particularly significant because it follows developments in Berdaale earlier on Friday, where federal government-aligned security personnel reportedly withdrew from important government and security installations.
Sources speaking to Baidoa Online reported that some federal government-aligned personnel sought refuge at Ethiopian military installations following their withdrawal from positions in the affected districts.
These reports, if confirmed, would raise further questions about the sustainability of federal government-aligned deployments and the role of regional security arrangements in the ongoing confrontation.
Beyond the immediate military implications, the developments could complicate efforts to resolve the political dispute between the federal authorities and Lafta Gareen’s administration.
Baidoa Faces Growing Uncertainty
With four district centres reportedly under Lafta Gareen-aligned control, attention is increasingly turning to Baidoa, the administrative capital of South West State and the remaining district centre in Bay Region outside the forces’ reported control.
The latest developments have heightened concerns about the possibility of further military confrontation, particularly as competing forces continue to contest political and security authority in the region.
Residents face growing uncertainty over the security situation, while the rapid territorial changes elsewhere in Bay Region have intensified questions about what may happen next.
However, there has been no independently verified confirmation that Lafta Gareen-aligned forces have launched an offensive against Baidoa or that the city is about to change hands.
Political and Security Implications
The reported territorial gains have implications extending beyond individual district centres.
Control over district administrations, police facilities and other government institutions is an important element of the broader contest for political authority in South West State.
For the federal government, the reported withdrawals and loss of district centres represent a challenge to its regional strategy and raise questions about its ability to sustain its security presence.
For Lafta Gareen’s administration, the reported expansion of territorial control demonstrates the continued presence of forces loyal to the regional leadership across significant parts of Bay Region.
Nevertheless, control of district centres does not necessarily establish full control over surrounding rural areas, and the wider security situation remains fluid.
Situation Remains Fluid
As of Friday night, October 16, Baidoa Online’s reporting indicates that Lafta Gareen-aligned forces have established a presence in four of Bay Region’s five district centres.
The reported capture of Diinsoor, following developments in Qansax-Dheere, Buurhakaba and Berdaale, marks a significant escalation in the confrontation between federal government-aligned forces and the South West State leadership.