BURHAKABA, Somalia — More than 300 troops were airlifted Sunday to Buurhakaba in southern Somalia as tensions escalate across the Bay region.
The troops were transported by military aircraft from Xudur and joined fighters aligned with “South West Salvation,” which has taken control of district.
The deployment signals a widening confrontation, with opposition forces expanding into new areas, deepening a standoff between federal government and South West administration.
Separately, a federal government delegation, including lawmakers opposed to President Abdiaziz Lafta-gareen, arrived in Xudur and began what sources described as sensitive talks.
The reinforcement follows an earlier deployment when hundreds of elite Haramcad police units trained by Turkey were flown to parts of South West.
Those troops landed in coastal city of Barawe in Lower Shabelle, official capital of administration, though authorities currently operate from Baidoa city.
Military sources said army chief Gen. Ibrahim Mohamed Mahmoud received orders last week to prepare an additional 1,100 troops for deployment to region.
Officials say the federal government plan focuses on strengthening positions in Barawe and securing road linking it to Buurhakaba, where militias remain active.
