[REVISION HISTORY]

Somali National Army operation against al-Shabaab

1 recorded revision of this situation.

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2026-10-27 10:33 UTC → 2026-10-28 07:54 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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. ~~Analysts have characterized~~ Following the ~~ambush as~~ 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 ~~deadliest setbacks for~~ engagement was acknowledged by the ~~Somali army this year.~~ ministry. The incident has prompted an emergency cabinet meeting to address the military setbacks.

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