The Somali National Army is continuing Operation Banooda across South West State following renewed fighting against Al-Shabaab positions near Buurhakaba in southern Somalia.
The operation was officially launched on October 24, 2026, with initial engagements reported near Leego.
Two days later, Somali military units conducted an extensive assault in the Jaameeca area, where the Ministry of Defence said intense fighting lasted several hours.
In its October 27 statement, the ministry reported approximately 75 Al-Shabaab militants killed and 56 wounded during the latest engagement.
Operation Banooda begins near Leego
The Somali National Army announced the launch of Operation Banooda on October 24 as part of a campaign targeting Al-Shabaab in South West State.
The opening engagement involved Danab special forces near Leego.
According to the Somali National News Agency, which carried the Defence Ministry’s announcement, Danab troops encountered Al-Shabaab fighters attempting to obstruct the army’s advance.
Seven militants were reported killed during the confrontation, while government forces seized weapons and continued pursuing fighters who withdrew from the area.
The Defence Ministry described the opening engagement as the beginning of a broader military campaign.
Jaameeca becomes the next major battleground
The offensive continued on October 26 when Somali National Army units targeted Al-Shabaab positions in Jaameeca, under Buurhakaba district.
According to the Defence Ministry, fighting occurred at several locations and continued for hours.
The ministry reported approximately 75 militants killed and another 56 wounded.
These figures refer to the government’s account of the October 26 fighting and should not be confused with the separately announced casualties from the October 24 operation.
Independent confirmation of the battlefield casualty figures remains unavailable.
Strategic importance of the Buurhakaba corridor
Buurhakaba is located along the main route linking Mogadishu with Baidoa, the administrative center of South West State.
The corridor is important for troop movement, logistical support and overland transportation.
Military developments around Buurhakaba have involved several armed actors in recent weeks.
In addition to operations targeting Al-Shabaab, Somali government forces have faced fighters aligned with former South West State President Abdiaziz Hassan Mohamed Laftagareen.
Conflict monitoring organization ACLED reported that opposition forces captured Buurhakaba on October 15.
The organization warned that escalating conflict between federal-aligned forces and regional opposition groups could create further opportunities for Al-Shabaab in Bay and Bakool.
The overlapping security challenges make the Buurhakaba corridor a significant area of concern for Somali authorities.
Militants target army vehicles
During the October 26 fighting, Al-Shabaab fighters reportedly used explosive-laden vehicles to attack Somali National Army units.
The Defence Ministry confirmed that some military vehicles sustained damage.
However, it did not disclose a complete account of government troop casualties or the number of damaged vehicles.
Military campaign set to continue
The Ministry of Defence said Operation Banooda would continue with further efforts to weaken Al-Shabaab’s capabilities and prevent the group from reestablishing its positions.
The ministry emphasized its intention to dismantle militant bases and disrupt attempts to regroup.
The Somali National Army Command praised the troops involved in the operation and reaffirmed its commitment to national security.
The developments around Jaameeca mark the continuation of an offensive that began near Leego and has since expanded toward the strategically important Buurhakaba area.