BUURHAKABA — Somali National Army forces have taken over security responsibilities in Buurhakaba district from Ethiopian troops who had maintained a military presence in the area for a prolonged period.
The transfer of security responsibilities comes as Somalia continues to strengthen its own security forces and gradually assume greater responsibility for protecting key population centers and strategic areas across the country.
Over the past several days, Danab Special Forces have intensified security and clearance operations in Buurhakaba and surrounding villages. The operations have focused on securing the town, searching areas believed to have been used by militants, and disrupting the movement and activities of Al-Shabaab fighters in the surrounding countryside.
The arrival and increased deployment of Somali forces is expected to strengthen the government’s security presence in the district and improve coordination between national forces and local community-based security units.
Local Forces Play a Key Role
Alongside the Somali National Army and Danab forces, hundreds of local fighters are currently stationed in Buurhakaba and surrounding areas. These forces have been engaged in a long-running campaign against Al-Shabaab and have gained significant experience fighting the militant group in difficult terrain.
Local forces have played an important role in protecting communities, providing information about militant movements, and supporting military operations in areas where government forces previously had limited access.
Their continued cooperation with the Somali National Army could be important in maintaining the security gains achieved in the area.
Part of Somalia’s Security Transition
The handover in Buurhakaba comes amid Somalia’s broader effort to strengthen the capacity of its national security institutions and reduce reliance on foreign troops.
The Somali government has been working to expand and professionalize its armed forces, including specialized units such as Danab, while improving cooperation between federal forces and local security structures.
The transition also places greater responsibility on Somali forces to prevent Al-Shabaab from exploiting security gaps following the departure of Ethiopian troops.
For the security transition to succeed, Somali forces will need to maintain a continuous presence, secure key supply routes, protect civilians, and prevent militants from returning to areas that have been cleared.
The situation in and around Buurhakaba remains strategically important because of the district’s location and its connection to other areas of South West State. Continued military operations, intelligence gathering, and cooperation with local communities will be critical to maintaining stability and preventing Al-Shabaab from re-establishing positions in the area.
