Geolocation
Airwars assessment
The US military carried out a “precision airstrike” targeting an ISIS-Somalia encampment in the Golis Mountains, according to a press release issued the following day by US Africa Command.
AFRICOM said it had assessed that the strke killed four members of ISIS-Somalia and that no civilians were harmed. “At this time, it is assessed the airstrike on May 9 killed four (4) terrorists. A detailed post-strike analysis continues and more details may be released as appropriate. Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike. Our process and procedures allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis.”
The attack came one day after a strike against ISIS had reportedly also killed 13 terrorists.
The AFRICOM statement further noted: “This deliberate campaign is building on increased intelligence and understanding of ISIS training and recruitment activities in Puntland, and is the fourth precision airstrike against ISIS-Somalia since April 14.”
The local time of the incident is unknown.
Geolocation notes (1) [ collapse]
In its own public reporting of airstrikes in northern Somalia, AFRICOM tends to cite only ‘the vicinity of the Golis Mountains’ – instead of the nearest settlement usually provided for elsewhere. The Golis Mountains extend from the border with Ethiopia into Somaliland, and then eastwards to Puntland. Given that both ISIS and Al Shabaab are reportedly present more in Puntland, or on the Puntland/Somaliland borders, it is likely this strike took place in that region. In this respect, and in combining the information available from sources of alleged militant activity in the South-west and South-east of Bosaso, and several mentions of Galgala, we have chosen a generic middle point, for which the coordinates are: 11.060894, 49.184169. Due to limited satellite imagery, and public reporting available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.
Summary
Sources (4) [ collapse]
Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]
US Forces Assessment:
Original strike reports
ISIS-Somalia Degraded by Precision Airstrike
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an ISIS-Somalia encampment in the Golis Mountains, Somalia, on May 9, 2019.
By U.S. AFRICA COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, United States Africa CommandStuttgart, GermanyMay 10, 2019
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an ISIS-Somalia encampment in the Golis Mountains, Somalia, on May 9, 2019.
This deliberate campaign is building on increased intelligence and understanding of ISIS training and recruitment activities in Puntland, and is the fourth precision airstrike against ISIS-Somalia since April 14.
The work U.S. Africa Command performs by, with and through AMISOM and our Somali partners, whether assisting with the threats they face or training them to improve their capabilities, is geared toward one goal – establishing a secure environment in order for broader diplomacy efforts to come to fruition. The Federal Government of Somalia and partner forces continue to make incursions into territory formerly controlled by ISIS.
At this time, it is assessed the airstrike on May 9 killed four (4) terrorists. A detailed post-strike analysis continues and more details may be released as appropriate.
Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike. Our process and procedures allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis.
U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States. In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.