Somalia sends over 200 vehicles toward Burhakabo
Federal government forces are moving to retake towns seized by former Southwest president Abdiasis Laftagaren.
Somalia’s federal government dispatched more than 200 military vehicles towards Burhakabo on Saturday. The convoy, including armored personnel carriers and troop trucks, departed from Wanlawayn district. This move follows the seizure of Burhakabo by forces loyal to former Southwest president Abdiasis Laftagaren last week.
Residents along the Mogadishu-Baidoa road reported seeing a long column of military vehicles for hours early Saturday. Officials have stated their intention to retake towns recently lost to Laftagaren’s forces. Al-Shabaab-affiliated media reported one soldier killed and a vehicle damaged in an ambush along the Mogadishu-Afgoye corridor on Saturday.
The operation occurs amid tensions between Ethiopia and the federal government. Ethiopia stated its forces manning towns recaptured by Laftagaren's forces refused to engage in the conflict. Addis Ababa reportedly warned the UN Security Council of its right to self-defense if fired upon during a federal offensive.
Why it mattersSomalia's federal government is moving military vehicles to retake towns seized by former Southwest president Abdiasis Laftagaren.