Somali Forces & U.S. Africa Command Conduct Airstrike Targeting Al-Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia’s continued efforts to degrade al-Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike in the vicinity of Garowle,Lower Shabelle Region, Somalia, on April 11, 2019.

Airstrikes are one part of the U.S. strategy to support Somali forces in their commitment to the Federal Government of Somalia’s advancement of economic development, governance, and their military institutions.

“We continue to target and strike various levels of leadership within the al-Shabaab network,” said Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Gregg Olson, U.S. Africa Command director of operations. “These precision strikes help sow discord within the ranks of al-Shabaab.”

The Somalia National Army (SNA) and partner forces continue to increase pressure on the al-Shabaab terrorist network. These precision airstrikes support Somalia security force activities and build enhanced security conditions to allow time and space for government and economic development to occur. They directly impact al-Shabaab’s ability to carry out activities and recruitment.

At this time, it is assessed this airstrike killed two (2) terrorists and destroyed one (1) motorcycle.

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.

Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. target al-Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia’s continued efforts to weaken al-Shabaab, U.S. forces conducted an airstrike in the vicinity of Jilib, Middle Juba Region, Somalia, on April 9, 2019.

Airstrikes highlight the U.S. and Somali forces commitment to a strategy that supports the Federal Government of Somalia and its ability to advance economic development, governance, and their military institutions. Airstrikes are conducted in compliance with the law of armed conflict.

“Continued pressure on the al-Shabaab network is critical to progress,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Gregg Olson, U.S. Africa Command director of operations. “Our assistance complements the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts to create stability and a better future for the Somali people.”

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

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike. When warranted, processes and procedures exist that allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis.

The Federal Government of Somalia and partner forces continue to make incursions into territory formerly controlled by al-Shabaab. Somalia remains key to the East Africa security environment, and its long-term stability is important to advancing U.S. interests in the region.

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 counter-terror operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.

U.S. Africa Command commander-directed review reveals civilian casualties

During a commander-directed review of airstrikes conducted in Somalia since 2017, U.S. Africa Command learned an April 1, 2018 airstrike killed two civilians. The commander, U.S. Africa Command directed the review due to a recent increase in airstrikes and continued interest by Amnesty International and Congress on civilian casualties.

“Credibility, transparency, and accountability are fundamental to military operations,” said U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, commander, U.S. Africa Command. “It is critically important that people understand we adhere to exacting standards and when we fall short, we acknowledge shortcomings and take appropriate action.”

The April 2018 airstrike was designed to degrade the al-Shabaab terrorist group near El Burr, Somalia. In the airstrike four al-Shabaab militants also were killed. The airstrike was not one of the allegations presented by Amnesty International in its March 2019 report.

On March 30, 2019, the command was notified about the results of a post-strike internal assessment conducted in April 2018 that found credible evidence of the two civilian casualties. Unfortunately, the finding was not properly reported to U.S. Africa Command headquarters.

Because of the reporting error, U.S. Africa Command was not informed of the assessment’s conclusion-and subsequently the information was not reported to external authorities, such as the host nation and Congress.

Consequently, on April 2, 2018, U.S. Africa Command stated in a press release based on an initial post-strike intelligence review the strike killed five al-Shabaab terrorists, and that the command assessed “no civilians were killed in this airstrike.” Unaware of the subsequent assessment and findings, senior leaders later stated during congressional testimony and media engagements that U.S. forces caused zero civilian casualties in Africa.

U.S. Africa Command is committed to transparency in its reporting of civilian casualties. While believed to be an isolated occurrence, the reporting error is being addressed.

The Federal Government of Somalia was notified of this newly learned information, and U.S. Africa Command remains in close coordination with our partners.

U.S. Africa Command takes prudent measures to minimize civilian casualties and fully complies with the Law of Armed Conflict. The Command has processes in place to ensure the safety and protection of the local population remains a top priority.

“Airstrike assessments are a critical and continuous component of operations,” said Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Gregg Olson, U.S. Africa Command director of operations. “Trust and credibility are central to our operations. If an innocent loss of life occurs, we are committed to being transparent and learning from this regrettable incident to prevent future occurrences.”

The command has executed 28 airstrikes in Somalia in 2019, compared to 47 in 2018 and 35 in 2017.