Somalia says army killed about 75 al-Shabab fighters near Buurhakaba; gives no toll for its own troops

As of 8:54 a.m. ET, Oct. 27, 2026

Somalia's Defence Ministry says government troops killed about 75 al-Shabab fighters and wounded 56 on Monday in hours of fighting in the Jameeca area of Buurhakaba district, in the southern Bay region.

"Approximately 75 militants were killed, and another 56 were wounded," the ministry said, according to Hiiraan Online. The state news agency SONNA reported the same figures early Tuesday ET. The ministry said the fighting was part of Operation Banooda, a Somali National Army offensive against al-Shabab positions, and that the operation would continue.

The ministry said al-Shabab fighters attacked army vehicles with explosives-laden vehicles, damaging some of them, AFP and Somali outlets reported. The ministry's statement did not say whether any soldiers were killed or wounded.

Al-Shabab, which is linked to al-Qaida, has claimed that it ambushed government troops near Leego on Monday and inflicted heavy losses. AFP said neither side's account could be independently verified. GROKsiNEWS.com is not reporting the group's casualty figures.

Relays of the fighting place it near Jameeca, also spelled Jameeco or Jameo, between Leego and Buurhakaba. Hiiraan Online reported that forces loyal to former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen seized Buurhakaba earlier this month and that government troops have been advancing toward the district.

What is not known

The government has not given a casualty toll for its own forces. How many vehicles were damaged or lost is not known. The ministry's figures for al-Shabab losses and the militants' claims about government losses have not been independently verified. GROKsiNEWS.com did not read the ministry's original statement; its contents come from SONNA and news reports.