Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

USSOM275

Incident date

February 4, 2020

Location

Vicinity of Beer Xani, Lower Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

0.218985, 42.177213 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

US Africa Command reported an airstrike in the vicinity of Beer Xaani on February 4th which it said had killed one terrorist. The attack came a day after Somali troops in the town had come under attack from al Shabaab.

According to AFRICOM’s release: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab terrorist in the vicinity of Beer Xaani, Somalia, Feb. 4… Initial assessment concluded the airstrike killed one (1) terrorist. We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.”

A day earlier, local Somali sources had reported that Jubbaland security forces had been ambushed and killed by al Shabaab near Beer Xaani.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention strikes in the vicinity of Beer Xaani village, for which the coordinates are: 0.218985, 42.177213

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • '#Kismayo: Operation #Jubbaland security forces in the western part of Kismayo, especially Beerxaani, have been killed by an Al-Shabaab militant group, also known as Mukhtar, and captured Qori Ak-47 & a military parade. #Somalia'

US Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab terrorist in the vicinity of Beer Xaani, Somalia, Feb. 4.
"The U.S. provides unrivaled and highly desired security force assistance options to our partners in Somalia," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Miguel Castellanos, deputy director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. "Armed over-watch and precision engagement capabilities will continue to create big-time challenges for al-Shabaab."
Initial assessment concluded the airstrike killed one (1) terrorist.
We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.
Somalia remains key to the security environment of East Africa, and its long-term stability is important to advancing U.S. interests in the region. We will continue to work together on our support of the Federal Government of Somalia in its effort to bring improved governance, development and stability to the Somali people.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1

Sources (2) [ collapse]