An airstrike reportedly carried out by the Somali government and “international partners” on 15 May, 2024 on the Ali Hayle area of the Middle Shabelle resulted in the deaths of several militants.

Along with the al-Shabaab members killed, the strike destroyed a water tank, according to Halqabsi News. The Facebook page for Baraawe TV, reporting information from the Somali National Army Command, stated that a “tanker truck” had been destroyed, along with “the militiamen guarding the vehicle”.

While no sources directly implicated the US in the operation, the Somali government’s reference to airstrikes has in the past indicated US involvement but could also refer to Turkish involvement or United Arab Emirates involvement.