The Somali federal government announced on Tuesday, October 27, 2026, that its forces had killed approximately 75 al-Shabab fighters and wounded 56 others during a battle near Buurhakaba district. The fighting occurred on Monday in the Jameeca area as part of Operation Banooda, a recently launched campaign by the Somali National Army targeting al-Shabab positions in and around South West State.
According to the Defense Ministry, the militants employed defensive positions and vehicles packed with explosives to attack government troops, damaging some military vehicles. The casualty figures could not be independently verified, and the ministry did not disclose whether Somali soldiers were killed or wounded in the fighting. Al-Shabab also claimed to have inflicted heavy casualties on the government side, but these claims could not be confirmed.
The battle is part of a broader military effort to weaken al-Shabab's capabilities and prevent the group from regrouping. Operation Banooda began over the weekend, with federal troops advancing along the corridor between Baledogle, Leego, and Buurhakaba. The operation aims to dismantle al-Shabab's positions and disrupt their ability to operate across southern Somalia.
The fighting near Buurhakaba comes amid a complicated security and political situation in the region. Earlier this month, forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen seized control of Buurhakaba following clashes with federal and regional government forces. Government troops have since been moving toward the district along the Mogadishu-Baidoa road.
Al-Shabab maintains a presence along parts of the same corridor, complicating efforts by government troops to move between Lower Shabelle and Bay regions. The federal government has accused Laftagareen-aligned forces of cooperating with al-Shabab, an allegation his group has repeatedly denied. The militant group has been fighting Somali government forces for nearly two decades.
The Defense Ministry praised the troops involved in the fighting, describing the campaign as part of the broader military effort to reduce al-Shabab's ability to operate across southern Somalia. The ministry stated that the 'Banooda' operation would continue, and the Somali National Army would not relent in their pursuit of al-Shabab or anyone providing them with support or shelter.
The ongoing conflict in Somalia has drawn international attention, with the UN mission in Somalia set to end its operations on October 31 after decades of support. The Somali government is working to improve its security and stability, including the launch of a national cybersecurity forum to enhance digital security efforts.
Key points
- The Somali government claims 75 al-Shabab fighters were killed and 56 wounded in a battle near Buurhakaba district.
- The battle is part of Operation Banooda, a campaign aimed at weakening al-Shabab's military capabilities.
- The conflict occurs amid a complicated security and political situation in the region, with multiple groups vying for control.
