# Somali National Army operation against al-Shabaab

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/somali-national-army-operation-against-al-shabaab
> Updated: 2026-10-27T09:16:52.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 2.

The Somali National Army (SNA) launched ‘Operation Banooda’ on October 24, 2026, a military campaign involving approximately 2,000 troops and 200 vehicles aimed at eliminating al-Shabaab militants in South West State. Initial reports from the Somali Ministry of Defence indicated that Danab commandos engaged fighters near Leego, resulting in the death of seven militants and the seizure of weapons.

However, the operation faced a significant setback on October 26, when al-Shabaab militants ambushed a large SNA convoy in the Jame’o area between Leego and Burhakabo. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting they killed 321 soldiers and captured military supplies and armored vehicles. While the Somali Ministry of Defence reported that over 70 militants were killed during the confrontation involving car bombs, independent verification of the total casualties remains pending.

Following the ambush, reports from the field indicated conflicting casualty figures. While the Ministry of Defence reported approximately 75 militants killed and 56 wounded, surviving officers provided varying accounts, with one reporting at least 20 dead and others estimating dozens of fatalities and over 100 wounded. The use of vehicle-borne explosives during the engagement was acknowledged by the ministry. The incident has prompted an emergency cabinet meeting to address the military setbacks.

## Claims

- The ambush took place in the Jame’o area on the road between Leego and Burhakabo. (reported by 8 sources)
- Al-Shabaab claimed to have killed 321 Somali government soldiers near Leego. (reported by 6 sources)
- The Somali Ministry of Defense stated more than 70 militants were killed in the attack. (reported by 5 sources)
- The federal government operation is codenamed Banooda. (reported by 4 sources)
- Al-Shabaab claimed to have seized armored vehicles, technicals, and weapons. (reported by 4 sources)
- Militants used car bombs during the attack. (reported by 4 sources)
- Al-Shabaab alleged that F-16 fighter jets and Turkish-operated drones supported government forces. (reported by 2 sources)
- The SNA convoy consisted of approximately 2,000 troops and more than 200 military vehicles. (reported by 1 source)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-27: Somali National Army suffers heavy casualties in Al-Shabaab ambush

Al-Shabaab militants ambushed a large Somali National Army convoy near Leego, claiming hundreds of deaths and the seizure of military equipment during a major federal offensive.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/al-shabaab-ambushes-somali-national-army-convoy-in-deadly-attack

### 2026-10-25: Somali National Army launches Operation Banooda against al-Shabaab

The Somali National Army has initiated Operation Banooda to clear al-Shabaab from South West State, facing heavy fighting and landmine threats near Leego.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/somali-national-army-launches-operation-banooda-against-al-shabaab

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Cite as: Somali National Army operation against al-Shabaab. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/somali-national-army-operation-against-al-shabaab