The former President of South West State of Somalia, Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed (Lafta-gareen), stated that forces loyal to him have taken control of four districts and other areas within the Bay region, following operations and fighting that occurred there over the past few days.
In a press release, Lafta-gareen announced that his ‘Darawish’ (regional paramilitary) forces had retaken the districts of Qansaxdheere, Buurhakaba, Berdaale, and Diinsoor, as well as the area of Awdiile.
Lafta-gareen explained that the objective of these operations was to ensure security and restore stability, while commending both the forces and the local residents in the areas he claimed to have recaptured.
Reports from the Bay region indicate that forces loyal to Lafta-gareen have taken control of several areas in recent days. Clashes were reported in Buurhakaba, while other areas were reportedly taken over by the forces without any fighting.
Lafta-gareen further stated that the people of South West State have the right to participate in critical political decisions that affect their future and the governance of their territories. The new South West administration, led by Adan Madobe, has lost control of key districts within its territory, amid a growing risk that opposition forces could seize the city of Baidoa.
Opposition forces loyal to Lafta Gareen have entered the city of Baidoa on several occasions, intensifying concerns that the new administration might lose control of its interim headquarters.
