Al-Shabaab Launches Deadly Pre-Dawn Attack on Army Base in Buurhakaba

 

Buurhakaba, Somalia – Al-Shabaab militants launched a deadly pre-dawn attack on a South West State Darawiish military base in Buurhakaba district, Bay region, on Wednesday morning.

The assault, which began with heavy explosions followed by intense gunfire, lasted for more than two hours and caused heavy casualties on both sides. According to eyewitnesses, multiple soldiers and officers from the South West State forces were killed and wounded in the fighting.

Among the confirmed fatalities was Deputy Commander Osman Kaarabiin, the second-in-command of the Darawiish forces in Buurhakaba. His death marks a significant blow to the regional security leadership in the area.

Residents described scenes of panic and fear as explosions rocked the outskirts of Buurhakaba during the early hours, with families forced to remain indoors as the clashes unfolded.

So far, no official statement has been released by either the South West State administration or Somalia’s Federal Government regarding the number of casualties or details of the attack.

The incident highlights the ongoing security challenges in southern Somalia, where Al-Shabaab continues to carry out coordinated and deadly assaults against government and regional forces.

Background

Al-Shabaab, an armed group linked to al-Qaeda, has waged a violent insurgency in Somalia for over a decade. Despite military offensives by Somali forces and African Union missions, the group continues to control rural areas and launch complex attacks on security installations, government officials, and civilians.

The attack on Buurhakaba comes amid broader efforts by Somali authorities to stabilize the South West region, where security remains fragile.