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BATTLE // August 23, 2010

Battle of Mogadishu

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Overview

The Battle of Mogadishu (2010–11) began on 23 August 2010 when al-Shabaab insurgents began attacking government and African Union Mission to Somalia (AMISOM) positions in the Somali capital of Mogadishu. Al-Shabaab began its offensive after its spokesman said the group was declaring a "massive war" on troops sent by AMISOM, describing its 6,000 peacekeepers as "invaders". In December 2010 the number of AMISOM troops was increased to 8,000 and later to 9,000. The battle's name usually includes the years, 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

  • Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen5,000–14,426
    medium
  • Transitional Federal Republic of Somalia5,000
    medium

Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen fielded a 1.9 : 1 numerical advantage

Casualties

  • Harakat al-Shabaab Mujahideen1,000–1,300
    medium12% loss rate

Commanders (22)

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6 sibling battles · 0 factions

Last verified June 2026
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