WAAJID, Somalia, October 23, 2026 — Military tensions are escalating in Somalia’s Bakool region following reports that South West State Darawish forces loyal to Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Lafta Gareen, are advancing towards Waajid town, raising fears of another confrontation between rival political and military factions.
The reported troop movements come amid an expanding power struggle between forces supporting Lafta Gareen and those aligned with Somalia’s Federal Government and the current South West State administration.
Recent reports indicate that Lafta Gareen-aligned forces have been mobilizing around Waajid after securing several strategically important districts in neighboring Bay region.
Military Mobilization Raises Fears of Confrontation
Waajid has emerged as a potential new flashpoint following military developments across South West Somalia.
On October 18, Baidoa Online reported that forces loyal to Lafta Gareen had reached the outskirts of Waajid, prompting the federal-aligned district administration to introduce reported security restrictions, including a curfew scheduled to run from October 18 to October 30.
Waajid holds considerable strategic importance because of its administrative role in Bakool and its position within a region historically affected by insurgent activity, military operations and restricted transport routes.
Any attempt by rival forces to establish control over the town could significantly alter the political and security balance in Bakool.
Previous Military Advances Across Bay Region
The latest developments follow a series of reported territorial gains by Lafta Gareen-aligned Darawish forces across neighboring Bay region.
Darawish forces previously captured Qansahdheere earlier in the month and subsequently took Buurhakaba following heavy fighting. They also entered Berdaale, Diinsoor and Awdiinle after government-aligned troops reportedly withdrew.
Buurhakaba witnessed particularly intense clashes because of its strategic location along the main road connecting Baidoa with Mogadishu.
Lafta Gareen’s office described the operations as efforts to restore security, stability and political authority.
These developments have intensified concerns that the military confrontation could expand from Bay into Bakool, with Waajid becoming one of the next contested districts.
Reported Airstrikes Near Waajid
The security situation became more complicated following reports of airstrikes near Waajid on October 21.
The reported operation highlights the increasingly complex security environment in Bakool, where longstanding operations against Al-Shabaab now intersect with political rivalries involving competing government-aligned forces.
Political Dispute Over Control of South West State
The confrontation is rooted in a wider struggle over political leadership and control of South West State.
Lafta Gareen, who previously governed the regional administration from Baidoa, has remained a central figure in the dispute with Somalia’s federal authorities and the current regional leadership.
Federal forces took control of Baidoa earlier in 2026 during the political struggle, forcing Lafta Gareen from the regional capital. His supporters subsequently launched military operations in several areas.
The rival sides have offered sharply different explanations for the fighting. Lafta Gareen’s supporters portray their operations as defending regional institutions, while the current administration challenges their legitimacy.