This operation, named ‘Banooda,’ is reportedly part of the federal government’s efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s strength and restore control over areas within South West State.

However, reports concerning the new plan show that political leadership and certain officers disagree on how to approach the operation, particularly following the reported losses resulting from battles along the road connecting Mogadishu and Baidoa.

Federal government troop movements toward Burhakaba began in October 2026, with Somali National Army units—specifically detachments from the Gorgor and Danab brigades—heading toward the Bay region.

Published reports state that government forces encountered combat in areas near Leego and Jameeca, located along the Mogadishu–Baidoa corridor.

Those engagements reportedly resulted in casualties, including deaths, injuries, and damaged military vehicles. However, official casualty figures for government forces have not been independently verified.

The Somali Ministry of Defense stated that nearly 75 Al-Shabaab fighters were killed and 56 others wounded in the battle near Jameeca. The Ministry also noted that explosions damaged several military vehicles.

Al-Shabaab, on its part, claimed to have inflicted heavy losses on government forces, though claims from both sides remain without independent verification.

Burhakaba district holds strategic importance in the Bay region as it sits on the highway connecting Mogadishu and Baidoa, directly impacting the transit of people, commercial transport, and military forces.

Reports indicate that forces aligned with Abdicasis Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen took control of the district in mid-October, escalating tensions between the federal government and South West political factions.

The federal government reportedly seeks to regain control of Burhakaba amid intensifying political disputes within the South West State administration.

Rival political factions blame each other for the deteriorating security situation, while local residents face fear of conflict in their communities.

Hassan Sheikh Mohamud faces a complex situation involving political friction, the counter-Al-Shabaab campaign, and disputes over the South West State administration.

The federal government aims to consolidate its political and security presence in South West State, while Laftagareen loyalists maintain their stance on regional administration.

Some reports suggest the plan to resume the Burhakaba operation is also linked to efforts to reinforce the administration led by Sheikh Adan Mohamed Nuur (Adan Madoobe) in Baidoa.

However, the relationship between the military operation and the political rivalry requires further verification. The federal government characterizes the operation as anti-Al-Shabaab, whereas other media outlets present the view that the political climate in South West State influences security decisions.

Security officials face critical operational questions regarding troop coordination, civilian protection, and preventing fighting from disrupting transit and transport links.

Establishing clear plans for medical evacuation, logistical supply, and communication between political leadership and military command remains essential.

Resuming the operation without resolving questions from previous engagements could raise concerns regarding troop and civilian safety.

Conversely, delaying the operation raises questions about how the federal government will manage the situation in Burhakaba and other areas affected by political rivalries and Al-Shabaab’s presence.

Fighting along the Mogadishu–Baidoa highway has created concern among civilians, particularly families residing in combat zones.

Local populations face risks of losing access to normal transit, health services, and food supplies as fighting and explosions disrupt transport and commerce.

Fears also remain that continued fighting could trigger further displacement if the security situation deteriorates.

Humanitarian organizations and local authorities emphasize civilian protection and delivering relief to conflict-affected populations.

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