Dozens feared killed in Somali army clash with militants

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, October 28, 2026

Somali government forces and Al-Shabab militants clashed near Leego in Lower Shabelle, with both sides reporting heavy casualties and contested claims of prisoners and equipment seized. The fighting highlights the continued instability in Somalia and the challenges faced by the government, which recently lost key international support but gains backing from Turkey amid ongoing efforts to weaken Al-Shabab.

Clashes between Somali government forces and Al-Shabab militants on Monday reportedly resulted in significant casualties on both sides, according to conflicting statements issued by each party.

The Al-Qaeda-affiliated insurgent group said it launched an assault on government troops and allied militias in the Lower Shabelle region, claiming to have killed 32 soldiers. The attack reportedly took place near the town of Leego.

In response, Somalia’s Defense Ministry said federal forces repelled the offensive, killing 75 militants and injuring 56 more during several hours of fighting on October 26 as part of Operation Basoooda. The ministry confirmed the militants used vehicle-borne explosives in the attack, which caused damage to some military vehicles.

Al-Shabab also asserted that it had captured prisoners, seized weapons, and gained vehicles during the three-hour ambush, although these claims could not be independently verified. The government has not confirmed the number of prisoners taken or losses beyond the vehicles and casualties mentioned.

Local media outlet Baidoa Online reported that the Somali government convened an emergency Cabinet meeting to address "heavy casualties and substantial military equipment losses" resulting from the battle near Leego.

Al-Shabab has maintained control over large parts of central Somalia despite a nearly two-decade-long international counterinsurgency campaign targeting the group.

Meanwhile, Turkey has become a prominent supporter of the Somali government amid a reduction in backing from the United States and other key international donors. Washington recently ceased funding a critical United Nations logistical mission that supports Somali combat operations, citing a lack of progress by Mogadishu in promoting national unity and effectively countering the insurgency.

The ongoing conflict underscores the persistent challenges faced by the Somali government in stabilizing the country and regaining control over territory contested by Al-Shabab militants.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.