The Somali federal government has denied reports that Turkish F-16 fighter jets or armed drones mistakenly bombed Somali National Army (SNA) positions near Leego in southern Somalia. This denial comes after heavy fighting with al-Shabab that reportedly killed dozens of government soldiers. The Office of National Security described claims that Turkish aircraft had struck Somali troops during Monday's military operations as false and baseless.
According to reports, heavy casualties were inflicted among Somali government forces during fighting with al-Shabab in the Jameeca area of Bay region. Two Somali soldiers told Reuters that dozens of government troops were killed and more than 100 wounded during Monday's battle. One soldier, identified as Ahmed, said he helped transport the bodies of 40 soldiers and more than 100 wounded troops to hospitals in Mogadishu.
The Somali Defense Ministry reported that government forces killed approximately 75 al-Shabab fighters and wounded 56 others during hours of combat in several locations around Jameeca. The ministry said the fighting occurred during Operation Banooda, an ongoing Somali National Army offensive in southern Somalia. The ministry acknowledged that al-Shabab militants had used explosives-laden vehicles against government troops.
Al-Shabab separately claimed it had killed 321 government soldiers and allied fighters during the fighting. However, the group's casualty claim has not been independently verified. The soldiers' claims of heavy casualties could also not be independently verified. The fighting near Buurhakaba comes as Somali forces continue military operations against al-Shabab in southern Somalia.
In its statement, the Office of National Security reaffirmed Somalia's military partnership with Turkey, describing the relationship as strategic and focused on counterterrorism, strengthening national security, and restoring lasting peace. The government urged journalists, social media users, and the public to rely on verified information and avoid circulating unsubstantiated claims.
The government's denial specifically addressed allegations of Turkish airstrikes on Somali forces but did not provide further details about the reported casualties or the circumstances of the deadly fighting near Buurhakaba. The incident highlights the challenges faced by Somali forces in their ongoing military operations against al-Shabab.
The clashes occur as al-Shabab remains capable of launching large-scale attacks against government troops in southern Somalia. The government reiterated its commitment to transparency, accountability, and the protection of Somali citizens.
Key points
- The Somali government denies Turkish airstrikes on Somali National Army positions near Leego.
- Heavy fighting with al-Shabab reportedly killed dozens of government soldiers.
- The incident highlights challenges faced by Somali forces in their ongoing military operations against al-Shabab.
