# Battle of Wabho

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2009 one day battle in Galguduud, Somalia

Battle of Wabho (2009) Part of Somali Civil War, Somali Civil War (2009–present), Battle for Central Somalia (2009) Date June 5, 2009 Location Wabho, Galgudug, Somalia Result ASWJ victory Belligerents Hizbul Islam Al-Shabaab Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a Commanders and leaders Hassan Dahir Aweys Hassan Turki Hassan Mahdi Muse Abdi Arale Ali "Dheere" Mohamud Sheikh Abu Yusuf Sharif Ali Ahmed Aden Abdi Nur Strength Unknown Unknown Casualties and losses 24+ killed 31+ killed Total Casualties: 123 killed, 60+ injured

v t e Somali Civil War (2009–present) Timeline 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Operations and battles 2009 S Mogadishu Mogadishu C Somalia Wabho Kismayo 2010 Beledweyne Ayn Kenyan border Mogadishu Kalshaale 2011 Lower Juba Gedo Elwaq Linda Nchi Deynile Beledweyne 2012 Yurkud Kismayo 2013 Bulo Marer 2014 Operation Indian Ocean Galgala 2015 Baure Leego Janale 2016 El Adde Qandala 2017 Kulbiyow Barii Af Urur Golweyn November 2017 2018 Tukaraq Bulo Marer Gandarshe 2020 Camp Simba Shabeelow 2021 Awdheegle and Bariire Mogadishu Wisil Golweyn Amara Galmudug 2022 Ethiopia Central Somalia Bal'ad Jicibow Runirgod Hilowle Gaab Hawadley 2023 Las Anod Las Anod Bulo Marer Osweyne 2024 Dhanaane Busley base El Dher Buhoodle Ras Kamboni Erigavo 2025 Jidali Middle Shabelle Bal'ad Dhahar Major attacks 2009 AU base Beledweyne Hotel Shamo 2010 Mogadishu Kampala Muna Hotel 2011 Mogadishu 2013 Mogadishu UN Mogadishu embassy Westgate Beledweyne 2014 Villa Somalia Hotel Amalo 2015 Central Hotel Makka al-Mukarama Garissa Ministry of Education Garowe Jazeera Palace Hotel Sahafi Hotel 2016 Mogadishu (Jan) Daallo Airlines Flight 159 Mogadishu (Feb) Baidoa Mogadishu (Jun) Awdiinle Galkayo Mogadishu (Aug) Mogadishu (Nov) Mogadishu (Dec) 2017 Mogadishu (2 Jan) Dayah Hotel Mogadishu (Feb) Mogadishu (14 Oct) Mogadishu (28 Oct) 2018 Mogadishu (Feb) Mogadishu (Mar) Mogadishu (Jul) Baidoa Sahafi Hotel Mogadishu (Dec) 2019 Nairobi DusitD2 Nairobi Latema Rd Mogadishu (4 Feb) Mogadishu (28 Feb) Kismayo Mogadishu (22 Jul) Mogadishu (24 Jul) Kenya bus Mogadishu (Dec) 2020 Afgooye Baidoa Eid Mogadishu (8 Aug) Mogadishu (16 Aug) Galkayo 2021 Bal'ad and Dinsoor Mogadishu (Mar) Mogadishu (Jun) Mogadishu (Nov) 2022 Mandera Beledweyne (Feb) Beledweyne and Mogadishu (Mar) Mogadishu (Apr) Mogadishu (Aug) Beledweyne (Sep) Beledweyne (Oct) Kismayo Mogadishu (Oct) Mogadishu (Nov) 2023 Mahas Buloburde and Jalalaqsi Mogadishu (Jun) Ogorwen and Orgene Mogadishu (Jul) Beledweyne Osweyne (Aug) Mogadishu (Sep) 2024 Mogadishu market (Mar) Mogadishu hotel (Mar) Dhanaane Busley base (Mar) Lido Beach (Aug) Mogadishu tea shop (Aug) 2025 Beledweyne hotel (Mar) Mogadishu (Mar) Garissa (Mar) Mogadishu (May) Jaalle Siyaad Military Academy Godka Jilaow prison

**The Battle of Wabho** was a one-day-long battle fought between the [Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a](/source/Ahlu_Sunna_Waljama'a) militia loyal to the Somali government and Islamist insurgent groups [Hizbul Islam](/source/Hizbul_Islam) and [al-Shabaab](/source/Al-Shabaab_(Somalia)) over the district of [Wabho](/source/Wabho) (also known as Wabxo), located in Central Somalia. According to Mahmutcan Ateş, more than 123 people were killed as a result of the battle, making it one of the bloodiest battles in the Somali Civil War.

## Prelude

On May 15, when the [Battle for Central Somalia](/source/Battle_for_Central_Somalia_(2009)) was just beginning with an insurgent offensive, Al-Shabaab mujahedeen attacked the town of Wabho. For two days they fought for the city with Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a. 5 were killed in the fighting however the takeover had failed and pro-government militants remained in control of the town.[1]

## The battle

On June 5 the fighting started when mujahedeen attacked the town again, this time with Hizbul Islam as their main force. Hizbul Islam spokesman [Sheik Muse Abdi Arale](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sheik_Muse_Abdi_Arale&action=edit&redlink=1) reported that they had won and captured the town as well as 3 armoured trucks. At this time only 10 had been reported, dead. Residents reported the two sides used heavy weapons,[2] also mortars had been used as Muse Arale was quoted saying *"We have pounded mortars on the infidels and entered the town from all sides"*. 56 were reported dead, however Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jama claimed they re-took the town.[3] As both sides claimed victory it was unknown who was in control of the town and no-one could independently verify this. The death toll was said to be over 40, with 60 injured.[4]

On June 7 there was finally confirmation that allied Hizbul Islam and al-Shabaab, mujahedeen had won the battle. Muse Arale was quoted as saying: *"The Mujahideen won the battle and we captured three armed trucks and there were many casualties on both sides"* and [Sheikh Ali "Dheere" Mohamud](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sheikh_Ali_%22Dheere%22_Mohamud&action=edit&redlink=1), the spokesman of al-Shabaab said that *"Ahlu Sunnah Wal Jamee'a militia lost the battle and an important town."* Local residents also confirmed it and Ahlu Sunnah militia commanders refused to comment. It was also reported that al-Shabaab used foreign fighters, some of which were among the Shuhada (martyrs).[5]

Per **[these](/source/2009_timeline_of_the_Somali_Civil_War#June)** reports, 31 Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a fighters and 24 mujahedeen had been killed in the battle. At least 9 civilians had been killed during the clashes.

## Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys and Hassan Turki

On June 7, Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a commander [Aden Abdi Nur](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Aden_Abdi_Nur&action=edit&redlink=1) claimed they had killed Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys during the fighting as there were some reports he was sighting near the town. He insisted they had shot him in the head. However Shiekh Aweys contacted the media to prove he wasn't dead, he claimed to be in perfect health.[6][7] After this confirmation, deputy information secretary [Sharif Ali Ahmed](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sharif_Ali_Ahmed&action=edit&redlink=1) claimed they had injured [Sheikh Hassan Dahir Aweys](/source/Sheikh_Hassan_Dahir_Aweys) and killed Sheikh [Hassan Abdullah Hersi al-Turki](/source/Hassan_Abdullah_Hersi_al-Turki) during the fighting in Wabho. But the spokesman of Hizbul Islam, [Sheik Hassan Mahdi](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Sheik_Hassan_Mahdi&action=edit&redlink=1) denied these claims. He also said that Sheikh Aweys was in [Mogadishu](/source/Mogadishu) and thus could not have been injured in the fighting.[8]

Sheikh Aweys resurfaced on June 8 to dispel claims of being injured or wounded. He held a press-conference in Mogadishu where he called the claims of being killed/injured: "enemy propaganda". He was quoted as saying: "News of my death is unfounded, every person is destined to die, but it will come the day sanctioned by Allah."[9]

## See also

- [List of wars: 2003–present](/source/List_of_wars%3A_2003%E2%80%93present)

## References

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** [allafrica](/source/Allafrica) [Calm Returns to Central Town](http://allafrica.com/stories/200905180438.html), May 16, 2009

1. **[^](#cite_ref-2)** allafrica [Rival Islamists Fight in Wabho Town in Central Somalia](http://allafrica.com/stories/200906050761.html), June 5, 2009

1. **[^](#cite_ref-3)** New York Times [At Least 56 Killed as Islamist Groups Fight Over a Somali Town](https://www.nytimes.com/2009/06/06/world/africa/06somalia.html?ref=global-home), June 5

1. **[^](#cite_ref-4)** allafrica [Death Toll Increases in Wabho Town Fighting](http://allafrica.com/stories/200906060006.html), June 6, 2009

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** allafrica [50 Killed in Central Somalia Clashes, Aweys 'Wounded'](http://allafrica.com/stories/200906070007.html), June 7, 2009

1. **[^](#cite_ref-6)** [Voice of America](/source/Voice_of_America) [Somali Insurgent Leader Denies Reports of Death](http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-06-07-voa8.cfm) [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20090609045637/http://www.voanews.com/english/2009-06-07-voa8.cfm) June 9, 2009, at the [Wayback Machine](/source/Wayback_Machine), June 7, 2009

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** [Daily Nation](/source/Daily_Nation) [Fear over fate of warlord Aweys after fierce battle](http://www.nation.co.ke/News/africa/-/1066/607752/-/139xmpiz/-/), June 7, 2009

1. **[^](#cite_ref-8)** allafrica [Ahlu Sunna Wajama'a Claims They Have Injured Sheik Aweys](http://allafrica.com/stories/200906070001.html), June 7, 2009

1. **[^](#cite_ref-9)** allafrica [Aweys Resurfaces to Dispel Claims of Being Wounded](http://allafrica.com/stories/200906291126.html), June 8, 2009

v t e Somali Civil War (2009–present) Part of the Somali Civil War War on terror Timeline 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 Background History of Somalia (1991–2006) Greater Somalia Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa Somali Civil War Factions Diplomatic and humanitarian efforts Propaganda Disarmament 2006 Islamic Courts Union offensive Battle of Mogadishu (2006) Ethiopian–Somali conflict Insurgency in Ogaden Somali Reconciliation Conferences 1993 2002 2007 Operations and battles Battle of South Mogadishu Battle of Mogadishu (2009) Battle for Central Somalia (2009) Battle of Wabho Battle of Kismayo (2009) Battle of Beledweyne (2010) 2010 Ayn clashes 2010 Kenya–Al-Shabaab border clash Battle of Mogadishu (2010–2011) Battle of Jubbada Hoose Battle of Gedo Battle of Elwaq Operation Linda Nchi Battle of Deynile Battle of Beledweyne (2011) Battle of Yurkud (2012) Battle of Kismayo (2012) Bulo Marer hostage rescue attempt Operation Indian Ocean Galgala campaign Battle of Baure Battle of Leego (2015) Battle of Janale (2015) Battle of El Adde Qandala campaign Battle of Kulbiyow 2017 raid on Barii Battle of Af Urur 2017 Golweyn ambush November 2017 Somalia airstrike 2018 African Union base attack in Bulo Marer December 2018 airstrikes in Gandarshe Camp Simba attack 2021 Mogadishu mutiny 2021 Golweyn ambush 2021 Galmudug clashes 2022 al-Shabaab invasion of Ethiopia Battle of Bal'ad Battle of Runirgod Battle of Buulo Mareer 2025 Shabelle offensive Attacks 2009 African Union base bombings in Mogadishu 2009 Beledweyne bombing 2009 Hotel Shamo bombing May 2010 Mogadishu bombings 2010 Kampala bombings Muna Hotel attack 2011 Mogadishu bombing June 2013 Mogadishu attack 2013 Mogadishu Turkish embassy attack Westgate shopping mall attack 2013 Beledweyne attacks 2014 Villa Somalia attack 2014 Hotel Amalo attack Central Hotel attack Makka al-Mukarama hotel attack Garissa University College attack 2015 Ministry of Higher Education attack Garowe attack Jazeera Palace Hotel bombing Sahafi Hotel attacks January 2016 Mogadishu attack Daallo Airlines Flight 159 February 2016 Mogadishu attack Baidoa suicide bombing June 2016 Mogadishu attacks 2016 Galkayo bombings November 2016 Mogadishu car bombing December 2016 Mogadishu suicide bombing 2 January 2017 Mogadishu bombings Dayah Hotel attack February 2017 Mogadishu bombing 14 October 2017 Mogadishu bombings 28 October 2017 Mogadishu attacks February 2018 Mogadishu attacks March 2018 Mogadishu bombing July 2018 Mogadishu bombings Sahafi Hotel attacks December 2018 Mogadishu bombing Nairobi DusitD2 complex attack Nairobi Latema Road blast 4 February 2019 Mogadishu bombing 28 February 2019 Mogadishu bombings Asasey Hotel attack 22 July 2019 Mogadishu bombing 24 July 2019 Mogadishu bombing 2019 Kenya bus shooting December 2019 Mogadishu bombing 2020 Afgooye bombing 2020 Mogadishu army base bombing 2020 Mogadishu hotel attack 2020 Galkayo bombing March 2021 Mogadishu bombing June 2021 Mogadishu bombing November 2021 Mogadishu bombing 2022 Mandera attack February 2022 Beledweyne bombing March 2022 Somalia attacks April 2022 Mogadishu bombing August 2022 Mogadishu attack September 2022 Beledweyne attack October 2022 Beledweyne bombings 2022 Kismayo hotel attack October 2022 Mogadishu bombings Siege of the Villa Rossa Hotel Mahas bombings 2023 Mogadishu hotel attack 2023 Jaalle Siyaad military academy bombing 2023 Beledweyne bombing 2023 Mogadishu tea shop bombing 2024 Mogadishu market bombing 2024 Mogadishu SYL Hotel attack and siege 2024 El Dher attack 2024 Mogadishu prison attack Top Coffee bombing 2024 Lido Beach attack 2024 Mogadishu tea shop bombing 2025 Beledweyne hotel attack Attempted assassination of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud 2025 Garissa attack 2025 Mogadishu military base bombing 2025 Jaalle Siyaad military academy bombing 2025 Mogadishu prison attack OEF–HOA 2009 Baraawe raid Bulo Marer hostage rescue attempt 2013 raid on Barawe 2017 raid on Barii Other events Death of Noramfaizul Mohd Nor London Somalia Conference Abdiaziz Abdinur Ibrahim controversy Daallo Airlines Flight 159 Awdiinle massacre Key players Al-Shabaab Mukhtar Robow Ali Dhere Fuad Qalaf Hizbul Islam Hassan Dahir Aweys Hassan Abdullah Hersi al-Turki Federal Government of Somalia Hassan Sheikh Mohamud Omar Sharmarke Mohamed Sheikh Hassan Ma'awisley Ahlu Sunna Waljama'a Galmudug Abdi Hasan Awale Puntland Abdiweli Gaas AMISOM United States AFRICOM Islamic State in Somalia Previous phase: War in Somalia (2006–2009)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Battle of Wabho](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Wabho) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Wabho?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.