MOGADISHU (SD)— A Somali security expert has criticized the federal government over reports that the bodies of soldiers killed in the October 26 battle against Al-Shabaab in Jameo, Bay region, were left lying in the streets for days without being buried.

Samira Gaid, head of Balqis Insights, said it was painful that soldiers who died fighting for their country had not been given proper burials, even 10 days after the battle. In a post on X, she questioned why political leaders were attending public events and celebrations while the dead soldiers were still waiting to be buried.

Gaid called on the public and the South West State government to help collect and bury the bodies. She said the soldiers deserved respect and should not be left lying in the streets. The Federal Government and the Ministry of Defence have not yet responded to her claims.

The October 26 battle reportedly left many government soldiers dead and wounded. Two soldiers who spoke to Reuters said government forces suffered heavy losses. One soldier, Ahmed, said he helped move the bodies of 40 soldiers and more than 100 wounded troops. The wounded were taken to hospitals in Mogadishu.

Another soldier, Farah, said Al-Shabaab used vehicles loaded with explosives during the fighting. He said the attacks destroyed five military vehicles and killed many soldiers.

On October 27, the Ministry of Defence said government forces had killed about 75 Al-Shabaab fighters and wounded another 56. The ministry confirmed that Al-Shabaab had used vehicles loaded with explosives but did not say how many government soldiers had been killed or wounded.

The reports have raised serious questions about how the government is looking after soldiers who risk their lives fighting Al-Shabaab. Critics say the authorities must do more to care for fallen soldiers and support their families.

There are also different accounts of the number of government casualties. While soldiers told Reuters that the army suffered heavy losses, the Ministry of Defence announced the number of Al-Shabaab fighters killed but did not provide figures for government losses.

The government is now facing calls to explain what happened in Jameo, recover any bodies that remain and make sure the dead soldiers receive proper burials. Their families also deserve clear information about what happened to their loved ones.

The Ministry of Defence has yet to provide a full report on the number of soldiers killed, wounded or missing in the battle.