Local media reported targeted strikes by an undeclared belligerent on the town of Bu’ale, which were said to have killed and injured senior named al Shabaab figures.

According to Goobjoog News, “Reports indicate on the airstrike raid in Bay and Middle Juba region last night targeted Al Shabab base located in the area bulla falay which results of various losses. The shelling [was] followed by direct fighting between the National Army forces and Al Shabaab militants, and it is not yet known how far casualties have affected both sides.”

Mareeg News gave more details: “A fighter jet has carried out an air strike targeting a training camp runs by Shebab, al Qaeda affiliated group in Bu’alle town in Middle Juba region of Somalia. It is unclear who carried out the bombing, but US military surged its airstrikes against Al Shabaab and Islamic State groups in Somalia.

“The air attack killed several militants, including Sheikh Dahir Gacmey, the group’s governor for the Middle Juba region, a source said. He says ex groups governor for the region, Sheikh Hussein Filow was also seriously injured in the bombing.”

Asked whether it had been responsible for this event, in February 2020 a senior AFRICOM official told Airwars that this was not the case. However, this may not preclude actions by the CIA which conducts its own undeclared strikes in Somalia.

The incident occured during the night.