Civilian Casualties

Al-Shabaab

2–4

ريدان بالقرب من جبل الكنائس, Raidan, in the vicinity of Jabal Al Kaneas, Ma'rib, Yemen

LOCATION

A US drone strike reportedly killed at least two alleged AQAP militants, including a leadership figure, in Raidan village, in the Al Kanaes area of Marib governorate, on November 1st 2019. One source, @AlkaramaHR, instead appeared to suggest that those killed were civilians, unaffiliated with AQAP. On January 2nd 2020, US Central Command told New

Summary

2–3

باريشا , Barisha, Idlib, Syria

LOCATION

Up to nine civilians including two women and three children were reported killed in the US military operation that successfully targeted ISIS leader Abu Bakr Al Baghdadi in Barisha village in Idlib countryside, Syria, on October 26th, 2019. Al-Baghdadi was an ISIS leader who declared himself a Caliphate in Mosul, Iraq in 2014, and according

Summary

Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)

(1–3 children1–2 women3–4 men)

5 – 9

Civilians reported injured

5–11

3 named, 1 familiy identified

Named victims

Near Ameyra and Timirshe, Noogal, Somalia

LOCATION

A US drone strike intended to target an Islamic State hideout near the remote Ameyra and Timirshe villages in the Golis Mountain region, killed two civilians and injured another, according to multiple local and international media sources. However in April 2020, AFRICOM insisted the targets “were ISIS-Somalia leadership and media operatives.”” At the time of

Summary

Civilians reported injured

(2 men)

Bu'aale, Middle Juba, Somalia

LOCATION

Local reports claimed that a pair of airstrikes by unknown intertnational powers – presumably either the United States or Kenya – had targeted al Shabaab fighters in the towns of Jamaame and Buaale. According to Radio Kulmiye, “Another airstrikes were reported [on Octoberr 25th] from Middle Jubba region, highly controlled by Al-Shabaab. Witnesses said that

Summary

Al-Shabaab

Belligerents reported injured

Jamaame, Lower Juba, Somalia

LOCATION

Local reports claimed that a pair of airstrikes by unknown international powers – presumably either the United States or Kenya – had targeted al Shabaab fighters in the towns of Jamaame and Buaale. According to Radio Kulmiye, “Another airstrikes were reported [on October 25th] from Middle Juba region, highly controlled by Al-Shabaab. Witnesses said that

Summary

Al-Shabaab

Abaloni, in the vicinity of Hosingow, Lower Juba, Somalia

AFRICOM for October 25, 2019 – October 25, 2019

Original

Annotated

Report Date

October 25, 2019

Original Report

Web link

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS terrorists in the Golis Mountain region, Somalia, on Oct. 25, 2019.

The Golis Mountains are a known area for terrorist activity. Precision airstrikes such as these support Somali security forces efforts to protect the Somali people from terrorists and support long-term security in the region.

At this time, it is assessed the airstrike killed three (3) terrorists.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.

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.

US Forces in Somalia

LOCATION

Two civilians were allegedly killed by a US or Kenyan airstrike on Abaloni. AFRICOM later denied conducting a strike in the area. Hussein Eliyow tweeted: “SOMALIA: Reports of US /Kenya airstrike in Abaloni village, outside Hosingow town last night. Residents say the airstrike killed at least two nomads. More details to follow.” AFRICOM discounted the

Summary

حرمك, Kunya Barrow, Middle Juba, Somalia

LOCATION

The US military declared an airstrike near Qunyo Barrow that killed one al Shabaab fighter, according to a press release from US Africa Command. The attack took place on the same date that AFRICOM had carried out a retaliatory airstrike following a complex al Shabaab attack on Baledogle airfield. The press release noted: “In coordination

Summary

حرمك, Kunya Barrow, Middle Juba, Somalia

LOCATION

The US military conducted an airstrike in self defence following a complex al-Shabaab attack on Baledogle Military Airfield (BMA) complex in Baledogle, US Africa Command reported. The strike and accompanying small arms fire killed 10 alleged terrorists, AFRICOM initially reported – thought this toll was later raised to 15. One US soldier was also injured,

Summary

Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)

Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons

Causes of injury / death

Near Ugungi, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

AFRICOM for September 30, 2019 – September 30, 2019

Original

Annotated

Report Date

September 30, 2019

Original Report

Web link

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab terrorist near Qunyo Barrow, Somalia, on Sept. 30, 2019.

“This strike demonstrates that U.S. and Somali forces will continue to take every opportunity to counter and degrade the capacity of al-Shabaab to plan and conduct attacks,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Karns, AFRICOM spokesman. “Continued pressure on al-Shabaab impacts their ability to further export violence across Somalia and elsewhere.”

At this time, it is assessed this airstrike killed one (1) terrorist.

Currently, AFRICOM assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.

AFRICOM will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from African Union Mission in Somalia to the FGS and its Member States. In support of the FGS, 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 FGS, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.

UPDATE on Baledogle attack: Initial reporting published Sept. 30 regarding the al-Shabaab attack on Baledogle Military Airfield stated there were no U.S. personnel injured. One (1) U.S. service member was assessed and treated as part of standard concussion protocol.

In addition, AFRICOM conducted one (1) self-defense strike during the engagement, not two, as originally reported.

AFRICOM has conducted fifty-four (54) airstrikes in 2019 against ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabaab militants, fighting positions, infrastructure, and equipment.

AFRICOM for September 29, 2019

Original

Annotated

Report Date

Original Report

Web link

In coordination with the Libyan Government of National Accord, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Libya terrorists in southern Libya, September 29, 2019.

“Our pursuit of ISIS-Libya and other terrorist networks degrades their ability to effectively conduct operations against the Libyan people,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Gayler, U.S. Africa Command director of operations. “By disrupting the terrorists’ planning, training, and activities, we also degrade their capacity to threaten U.S. and partner interests in the region.”

U.S. Africa Command continues to support diplomatic efforts to stabilize the political situation in Libya in order to maintain our common focus on disrupting terrorist organizations that threaten regional stability.

At this time, it is assessed the airstrike killed seven (7) terrorists.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike

AFRICOM for September 26, 2019

Original

Annotated

Report Date

Original Report

Web link

In coordination with the Libyan Government of National Accord, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Libya terrorists in southwest Libya, September 26, 2019.

“This ongoing campaign against ISIS-Libya demonstrates that U.S. Africa Command persistently targets terrorist networks that seek to harm innocent Libyans,” said U.S. Navy Rear Adm. Heidi Berg, director of intelligence, U.S. Africa Command. “We will continue to pursue ISIS-Libya and other terrorists in the region, denying them safe haven to coordinate and plan operations in Libya.”

At this time, it is assessed the airstrike killed seventeen (17) terrorists.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.

French MoD for September 26, 2019 – September 26, 2019

Original

Annotated

Report Date

September 26, 2019

Original Report

Web link

Notes

France report a strike in central Iraq in a joint and coordinated operation with several elements of the international coalition. Two buildings used by ISIS to gather its fighters were destroyed.

CHAMMAL : Les Rafale au Levant appuient une nouvelle fois les forces de sécurité irakiennes

Cette semaine, deux Rafale de la base aérienne projetée (BAP) au Levant ont appuyé les forces de sécurité irakiennes (FSI) au cours d’une mission d’appui réalisée dans le cadre de l’opération Inherent Resolve (OIR).

L’opération a été menée dans le centre de l’Irak de manière conjointe et coordonnée avec plusieurs éléments de la coalition internationale et dans le respect des règles d’engagement. Toute cible retenue par OIR est ensuite évaluée par les experts de la chaîne opérationnelle française afin d’exercer un contrôle national sur l’emploi des forces armées et évaluer la conformité des objectifs proposés au regard des directives nationales.

Les équipages et mécaniciens du Groupe de Bombardement 43 « Levant » de la BAP ont de nouveau œuvré de concert à la réussite de la mission avec professionnalisme et détermination. Ce type d’opération, qui permet de frapper un objectif militaire validé, s’est soldé par la destruction de deux bâtiments utilisés par Daech comme lieux de rassemblement pour ses combattants, contribuant ainsi à l’affaiblissement des capacités militaires du groupe terroriste.
Les pilotes de Rafale ont atteint leur objectif grâce à un tir de haute précision. Pour réaliser cette mission, le tir a été précédé d’une observation minutieuse du site par les Rafale destinée à s’assurer qu’aucune activité civile n’était présente autour de l’objectif.

Cette frappe est le fruit d’une coopération étroite avec les membres de la coalition dans le cadre de OIR.

Depuis sa création en novembre 2014, plus de 1500 frappes ont été réalisées par les aéronefs de l’opération Chammal.

Lancée depuis le 19 septembre 2014, l’opération Chammal représente le volet français de l’Opération Inherent Resolve (OIR) au sein d’une coalition de 80 pays et organisations. A la demande du gouvernement irakien et en coordination avec les alliés de la France présents dans la région, l’opération Chammal vise, à apporter un soutien militaire aux forces locales engagées dans le combat contre Daech sur leur territoire. L’opération Chammal repose sur deux piliers complémentaires : un pilier ” appui ” destiné à appuyer les troupes engagées au sol contre Daech et à frapper les capacités militaires de Daech ; un pilier ” formation” au profit des forces de sécurité irakiennes. A ce jour, le dispositif complet de l’opération Chammal compte près de 1 000 militaires. Il comprend également plus d’une centaine de militaires projetés à Bagdad pour la formation et le conseil des états-majors et unités irakiennes.

LOCATION

In an incident not originally declared publicly, AFRICOM officials later confirmed to Airwars that they had conducted a strike against al Shabaab in the lower Shabelle – for which they did not report either any militant or any civilian harm. Public Affairs Current Operations Branch Chief, Desiree Frame, told Airwars by email dated October 4th

Summary

الأحمر, جبل سقاه, Al Ahmar camps, Jabal Sakah, Shabwa, Yemen

LOCATION

Two local-language Twitter sources reported that US drone strikes targeted “terrorist groups” in “Al-Ahmar camps” in the Azan and Al Houta area, Shabwa governorate. No other known sources alleged US strikes, and no information was available on casualties. There were no known reports of civilian harm. Since the first known report of this event, from

Summary

AFRICOM for September 24, 2019

Original

Annotated

Report Date

Original Report

Web link

In coordination with the Libyan Government of National Accord, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Libya terrorists in the vicinity of Murzuq, Libya, September 24, 2019.

“This airstrike was conducted to eliminate ISIS terrorists and deny them the ability to conduct attacks on the Libyan people,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. William Gayler, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. “This effort demonstrates the resolve of the U.S. and our Libyan partners to deny safe havens to terrorists”

U.S. Africa Command continues to support diplomatic efforts to stabilize the political situation in Libya and disrupt terrorist organizations that threaten regional stability.

At this time, it is assessed the airstrike killed eleven (11) terrorists.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.

LOCATION

مرزق, Murzuq, Libya

The US conducted a rare action against militant targets in Libya in September 2019, striking what it later said was “a terrorist facilitation and meeting location consisting of ISIS-Libya terrorist leadership and militants.” In April 2020, US Africa Command reported that no civilians were harmed in this action near Murzuq on September 19th, 2019 –

Summary

8–10

NW of Kismayo, Lower Juba, Somalia

AFRICOM for September 19, 2019

Original

Annotated

Report Date

Original Report

Web link

In coordination with the Libyan Government of National Accord, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Libya terrorists in the vicinity of Murzuq, Libya, September 19, 2019.

“U.S. Africa Command conducted this airstrike to eliminate terrorist leaders and fighters and to disrupt terrorist activity,” said Gen. Stephen Townsend, U.S. Africa Command commander. “We will not allow them to use the current conflict in Libya as protection. Together with our Libyan partners, we will continue to deny terrorists safe haven in Libya.”

U.S. Africa Command continues to support diplomatic efforts to stabilize the political situation in Libya and disrupt terrorist organizations that threaten regional stability.

At this time, it is assessed the airstrike killed eight (8) terrorists.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.

LOCATION

The US military carried out an airstrike on al Shabaab fighters – possibly high value – after they attacked a Somali patrol in the northwest of Kismayo, Lower Juba Province, according to a press release from US Africa Command. No civilian harm was reported in this incident. According to the official statement: “In coordination with

Summary

LOCATION

شبوة, Shabwa, Yemen

One local language social media source, @GawadSalah, claimed, on September 15th 2019, that six Emiratis were killed in an alleged AQAP camp in Shabwa by a US drone strike. The source seemed to refer to six Emirati soldiers reported, on September 14th 2019, to have been killed in a road “collision” in southern Yemen. Other

Summary

جيليب, Road between Jilib and Kismayo, Middle Juba, Somalia

LOCATION

An airstrike near Jilib killed one al Shabaab fighter, according to US Africa Command. There were no known reports of civilian harm, an official press statement asserted. “At this time, it is assessed the airstrike killed one (1) terrorist. Strikes near Jilib disrupt al-Shabaab’s freedom of maneuver. Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed

Summary

1–3

Near Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

LOCATION

The United States carried out a second airstrike near Jilib on September 3rd 2019, this time against an “al-Shabaab associated vehicle”, and with no known casualties. Details were revealed by AFRICOM in an email exchange with the Bureau of Investigative Journalism on October 4th 2019: “Separately, AFRICOM conducted an air strike targeting al-Shabaab equipment in

Summary

عقبة القنذع, Aqaba Al Qandha, Al Bayda, Yemen

LOCATION

Three US drone strikes reportedly targeted a convoy of alleged AQAP militants travelling through Aqaba Al Qandha area of Shabwa governorate, on the morning of September 2nd 2019. No known sources gave information on casualties of the strikes, and there were no known associated reports of civilian harm. “Private sources” told Shabwa Press that US

Summary

Airstrike, Artillery, Drone Strike

LOCATION

مارب, Ma'rib, Yemen

At least five US drone strikes reportedly targeted alleged “terrorist” militants, variously alleged to be AQAP or ISIS-affiliated, in the Marib governorate Third Regional Military Command area of the pro-government military, just after midnight on August 31st 2019, according to multiple social media sources. One source, however, instead alleged that Emirati artillery shelling had targeted

Summary

US Forces, United Arab Emirates Military

Suspected targets

Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), ISIS - Yemen

عرقوب, Arqoub, Abyan, Yemen

LOCATION

A few local language social-media sources suggested that US strikes, reportedly including a naval bombardment and at least one air strike, had targeted “terrorist groups”, possibly AQAP, in Arqoub in Abyan governorate, on August 31st 2019, killing “dozens”. Some suggested that the “terrorists” were amongst or affiliated with pro-government forces. There were no known associated

Summary

Airstrike, Naval bombardment

US Forces, United Arab Emirates Military

LOCATION

مارب, Ma'rib, Yemen

One local-language social-media source, @HAlwlaqi, suggested that at least one US drone strike had targeted “Islah terrorist militia” camps in Marib, including in the “third regional command”, apparently overnight from August 28th-29th 2019. Another, @muneeffaisal1, stated at around the same time that a US drone had targeted a “military convoy” in Marib, possibly referring to

Summary

US Forces, United Arab Emirates Military

الحوطة, Al Houta, Shabwa, Yemen

LOCATION

One local-language social media source, @wael_shaifan, suggested late on August 27th 2019 that at least one US drone strike had targeted gatherings of alleged AQAP militants in Al Houta town, Shabwa governorate. Three other social media sources further indicated that US strikes had taken place in Shabwa that evening, but did not offer specific information.

Summary

Belligerents reported injured