Somalia's Defence Ministry Reports 75 Al-Shabaab Militants Killed in Jaameeca Fighting

Somalia’s Ministry of Defence has announced new casualty figures following a major military engagement against Al-Shabaab in the country’s southern Bay region.

In an official statement issued in Mogadishu on October 27, 2026, the ministry said Somali National Army units conducted an extensive assault on militant positions in the Jaameeca area, under Buurhakaba district, the previous day.

The operation was carried out as part of the ongoing Banooda military campaign.

According to the ministry, intense fighting lasted several hours and took place across multiple locations.

The government reported that approximately 75 Al-Shabaab members were killed and another 56 wounded.

Somali forces target militant positions in Jaameeca

The Defence Ministry said the operation focused on locations used by Al-Shabaab fighters in the Jaameeca area.

Somali army units reportedly engaged militants at several positions as part of efforts to weaken the group’s military presence.

The ministry described the confrontation as a significant engagement in the continuing campaign against Al-Shabaab.

It said the attacks were intended to disrupt the group’s activities and reduce its ability to operate in the surrounding areas.

Defence Ministry announces casualty figures

The ministry reported approximately 75 militants killed and 56 injured during the fighting.

However, the official statement did not provide individual identities, a breakdown of casualties by location or further details regarding the wounded.

The figures represent the Somali government’s official account of the operation.

The full casualty toll has not been independently verified.

Somali military vehicles damaged during the battle

The Defence Ministry also acknowledged attacks against Somali army vehicles.

According to the statement, Al-Shabaab fighters used vehicles loaded with explosives to target Somali National Army units.

Some military vehicles sustained damage during the attacks.

The ministry did not disclose the number of affected vehicles or provide casualty figures for its own personnel.

Operation Banooda to continue

The Ministry of Defence said the Somali National Army would continue its offensive against Al-Shabaab.

The government described the campaign as part of broader efforts to weaken the militant group’s capabilities, dismantle its positions and prevent attempts to reorganize.

The ministry and army command praised the personnel involved in the fighting.

Both institutions reaffirmed their commitment to continuing military operations aimed at strengthening national security and stability.