LOWER SHABELLE, Somalia — October 24, 2026
Heavy fighting has reportedly erupted in the Mada Maroode area on the outskirts of Leego town in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, as Somali Federal Government forces attempting to advance toward Buurhakaba face armed resistance.
The reported confrontation comes amid an ongoing federal military operation aimed at recapturing Buurhakaba, a strategically important town in Bay region that was reportedly seized on October 15, 2026, by Southwest State Darawish forces loyal to President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
According to preliminary reports, federal troops advancing toward Buurhakaba were targeted by a suspected landmine explosion near Leego, triggering an exchange of gunfire.
Local sources have reported significant casualties, with several wounded soldiers and bodies allegedly transported to Mogadishu. However, the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed.
The reported fighting highlights the difficulties facing federal forces as they attempt to move through Lower Shabelle toward Buurhakaba, where Laftagareen-loyal Darawish forces are reportedly maintaining control following their October 15 takeover.
Federal Forces Reportedly Struggle to Advance Beyond Leego
Reports indicate that federal troops departed Yaaq Bariweyne at approximately 7:00 a.m. on Saturday, intending to advance toward Leego before continuing toward Buurhakaba.
However, by approximately 3:00 p.m., the troops had reportedly failed to reach Leego, despite the two locations being separated by an estimated 20–24 kilometers in a straight line.
The reported delay has raised questions about the challenges facing the federal military operation, including possible armed resistance, security threats and obstacles along the route.
Meanwhile, emerging reports suggest that members of the Somali National Army’s elite Danab Commandos, who were reportedly deployed earlier in the day, have withdrawn from the area.
Additional information indicates that some federal forces have returned to the Balli Doogle military base following the confrontation near Leego.
Buurhakaba at Center of Growing Military Tensions
The latest developments follow reports that Southwest State Darawish forces loyal to Laftagareen captured Buurhakaba on October 15, intensifying tensions between the Federal Government and forces aligned with the Southwest State leadership.
Federal forces are now reportedly seeking to regain control of the town, but the reported resistance near Leego has complicated their advance.
Buurhakaba occupies an important position along the route connecting Mogadishu and Baidoa, making control of the town significant for military movement and regional security.