Conflict

U.S. Forces in Somalia

Incident Code

USSOM159

Location

Caad, Mudug, Somalia

Geolocation

5.013041, 47.992239
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: SOM114)

AFRICOM reported the following day that it had “conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Quy Cad, Somalia on November 20, 2018.”

It added: “We currently assess this airstrike did not injure or kill any civilians.” However, AFRICOM claimed that the airstrike “killed seven (7) militants”.

In a subsequent FOIA response obtained by journalist Joshua Eaton in May 2019, AFRICOM again confirmed it had struck on this date what it says were “al Shabaab fighters”, in the vicinity of Quy Cad, Somalia.

No additional information is presently known about this event.

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike
Strike Status
Declared strike
Civilian Harm Reported
No
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military actors reported killed
7

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike took place in the vicinity of the village of Quy Cad (or Caad), for which the coordinates are: 5.013041, 47.992239. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

U.S. Forces Assessment
Known belligerent
U.S. Forces
U.S. Forces position on incident
Not yet assessed
U.S. Forces Strike Report
Al-Shabaab Degraded by U.S., Federal Government of Somalia To support the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts to degrade al-Shabaab, U.S. forces conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Quy Cad, Somalia on November 20, 2018. We currently assess this airstrike killed seven (7) militants. We currently assess this airstrike did not injure or kill any civilians. This precision airstrike was conducted in coordination with and in support of the Federal Government of Somalia as it continues to degrade al-Shabaab. Airstrikes reduce al-Shabaab’s ability to plot future attacks, disrupt its leadership networks, and degrade its freedom of maneuver within the region.

Media from Sources (3)