Unconfirmed reports from Baidoa, the administrative capital of Bay region, say a military base used by Somalia’s elite Gorgor forces in the Bunbashaar area was targeted in an attack involving explosive-laden drones.
The base is located near Baidoa General Hospital.
Preliminary information suggests that the military facility was the intended target, but details remain unclear, including how many drones were involved and whether the incident caused casualties or damage to the camp.
The Bunbashaar facility is reportedly used by Gorgor troops, a special forces unit within the Somali National Army. Its proximity to a major hospital and nearby residential neighbourhoods has raised concerns about the potential risks to civilians and essential services.
Reports of explosive-carrying drones being used in attacks in Baidoa are not new. In late September 2026, several media outlets reported that unmanned aircraft fitted with explosives had been deployed during fighting in the city.
The South West State administration also alleged in a statement issued on September 29 that drones carrying explosives were used during the clashes.
However, claims about which parties operated the aircraft and the damage they caused have not been independently verified.
The latest reported incident comes amid continuing political and security tensions in Baidoa, linked to a power struggle involving Somalia’s Federal Government, the South West State administration led by Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nur, known as Adan Madobe, and forces loyal to former regional president Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
Heavy fighting broke out in the city in late September, with reports indicating that rival forces used various weapons, explosives and drones.
The Federal Government and the South West administration said their forces had repelled attacks on their positions, while forces aligned with Laftagareen also claimed to have conducted military operations.
Allegations made by the rival sides have not all been independently confirmed.
The use of explosive-laden drones in populated areas presents serious risks, particularly when military installations are situated close to civilian infrastructure.
Such attacks can threaten residents, medical facilities, businesses and other essential services if explosions occur beyond their intended targets.
The incident also raises questions about the security of military positions in urban areas, the ability of forces to detect aerial threats and the measures in place to protect nearby civilians.
As of the latest available information, there has been no official confirmation of casualties or the extent of damage at the Bunbashaar base. It also remains unclear whether the reported attack struck military buildings, vehicles or personnel stationed at the facility.
No group has been reliably identified as responsible for the latest reported incident. Somalia’s Federal Government, the Somali National Army command and the South West State administration are yet to provide a detailed public account of what happened.