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BATTLE // May 7, 2009

Battle of Mogadishu

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Overview

The Battle of Mogadishu (2009) started in May with an Islamist offensive, when rebels from al-Shabaab and Hizbul Islam attacked and captured government bases in the capital of Mogadishu. The fighting soon spread, causing hundreds of casualties, and continued on at various levels of intensity until October. The battle's name usually includes the year, when referenced, in order to distinguish it amongst the nine major Battles of Mogadishu during the decades long Somali Civil War.

Overview adapted from Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Forces & casualties

Troop strength

  • Al-Shabaab2,500
    medium
  • Somalia2,900
    medium

Somalia fielded a 1.2 : 1 numerical advantage

Commanders (35)

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Last verified June 2026
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