MOGADISHU — Dozens of Somali soldiers were killed in a major battle with al Shabaab in southern Somalia, two soldiers told Reuters on Tuesday, while the defence ministry said government forces killed about 75 militants.

Source: Reuters, Oct 27, 2026 — Dozens of Somali soldiers killed in battle with al Shabaab, soldiers say

The fighting was in the Jameeco area of Buurhakaba district. Somalia's defence ministry said about 75 militants were killed and another 56 wounded, and that the militants had attacked the national army using vehicles packed with explosives, damaging some army vehicles. The ministry's statement did not say how many soldiers were killed or wounded.

Source: Reuters, Oct 27, 2026 — Dozens of Somali soldiers killed in battle with al Shabaab, soldiers say

40Dead soldiers one soldier, Ahmed, said he helped transport to Mogadishu hospitals — his account to Reuters
100+Wounded soldiers Ahmed said he helped transport
75Militants the defence ministry said government forces killed; 56 more wounded, the ministry said

A second soldier, who gave his name as Farah, told Reuters that al Shabaab car bombs had ruined five military vehicles and estimated that dozens of soldiers were killed in the explosions. Both soldiers' accounts are reported here as their testimony to Reuters; no independent confirmed total for Somali army losses was published in the sources checked.

What is solid

  • The battle took place in the Jameeco area of Buurhakaba district in southern Somalia, according to the defence ministry via Reuters.
  • The defence ministry said militants attacked with explosive-packed vehicles and that some army vehicles were damaged.

What is only claimed

  • How many Somali soldiers were killed — two soldiers told Reuters dozens died, and one put the number he personally helped transport at 40, but the defence ministry gave no soldier toll.
  • The ministry's claim of about 75 militants killed and 56 wounded, which has not been independently verified in the sources checked.

Somalia, in the Horn of Africa, has grappled with a nearly two-decade insurgency led by al Shabaab, which seeks to impose its own rule based on its strict interpretation of Sharia law. The country has endured conflict and clan battles with no strong central government since the fall of ruler Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, Reuters noted.

What happens next

Watch for an official army casualty statement from Mogadishu and any al Shabaab claim. Until a confirmed toll is published, the soldier accounts and the ministry's militant toll should both be read as claims from parties to the fighting.