The Ministry of Internal Security in the Southwest State of Somalia has condemned a deadly airstrike that reportedly targeted villages in the districts of Waajid and Buurhakaba, leaving at least 13 civilians dead.
In a statement released on Wednesday, the Ministry described the incident as a “horrific assault” involving armed helicopters equipped with advanced weaponry.
The state Ministry of Internal Security said those killed included four women, seven men, and two children.
The regional semiautonomous state expressed deep concern over what they termed as the misuse of military resources.
The Ministry alleged that assets intended for combating extremist groups and protecting civilians were instead used in an operation that resulted in civilian casualties.
“This reckless action demonstrates a serious misdirection of military equipment and international assistance,” the statement said, pointing fingers at the Federal Government of Somalia.
It further accused federal authorities of deploying resources in a manner that undermines efforts to stabilize the country and protect its citizens.
The Ministry emphasized that the attack constitutes a grave violation of human rights and called for accountability over the incident.
It also urged relevant authorities and international partners to investigate the matter thoroughly and ensure those responsible are held to account.
The federal government had not issued an official response at the time of publication.
The incident adds to growing tensions between regional administrations and the central government in Somalia, particularly over security operations and the management of military resources.
The escalating tensions between Somalia’s federal government in Mogadishu and South West State represent the latest fracture in the country’s fragile federal system.
On March 17, 2026, South West State suspended all cooperation and severed ties with the central government, accusing Mogadishu of interfering in regional affairs, arming local militias, and attempting to unseat state President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
The rift deepened after the federal parliament approved controversial constitutional amendments earlier in March, which extend presidential and parliamentary terms and have been strongly opposed by several regional states.
In response, the federal government declared Laftagareen’s mandate expired and announced plans for a leadership transition, prompting fears of further instability and localized clashes near Baidoa.
South West State is now the third federal member state—after Puntland and Jubaland—to suspend relations with Mogadishu amid disputes over power-sharing and the provisional constitution.