Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident date

February 2, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM187

LOCATION

Forsooley, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A reported tweet from Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency – apparently since deleted – referred to a joint raid on February 2nd by Somali and US forces which was said to have killed 40 al Shabaab fighters. Goobjoog News, which picked up on the original tweet, said that “The National Intelligence and Security Agency

Summary

First published
February 2, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
Known belligerent
Somali Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
40
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2019

Incident Code

CS1887

LOCATION

السوسة, Al Soussa, Deir Ezzor, Syria

A house in the town of Al Soussa was struck by what sources described variously as a drone strike, airstrikes, artillery shelling, a rocket or a rocket-propelled grenade, killing two named brothers. Three of their other brothers were reported injured. Although one source implied the brothers were members of ISIS, this was not mentioned by

Summary

First published
January 13, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
3
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerent
US-led Coalition
Suspected target
ISIS
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

January 3, 2019

Incident Code

CS1881

LOCATION

الكشكية, Al Khishkiya or Kashma, Deir Ezzor, Syria

During an exchange of small arms fire, an alleged Coalition helicopter strike hit a civilian home in the town of Al-Kashkiya, east of Deir Al-Zour. Between six and ten civilians from the same family were reported killed, including women and children. In January 2020, the Coalition accepted responsibility for the deaths of nine civilians in

Summary

First published
January 3, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9 – 10
(1–4 children2 women2–5 men)
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
13 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

December 30, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM175

LOCATION

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

A joint action by Somali troops and US Special Forces killed 30 al Shabaab militants including two foreign fighters, in the town of Jilib, according to a Somali National Army commander. Xinhua reported the following: “The Somali National Army (SNA) on Sunday killed 30 al-Shabab militants, including two foreign nationals, in the southern town of

Summary

First published
December 30, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
Somali Military Forces
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
30
View Incident

Incident date

September 21, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM146

LOCATION

50 km northwest of Kismayo, Lower Juba, Somalia

US forces carried out a ‘self-defence strike’ against al Shabaab on September 21st approximately 50 km northwest of Kismayo and killing 18 al Shabaab members, according to a press release from US Africa Command. According to AFRICOM “The U.S. airstrike was conducted against militants after U.S. and partner forces came under attack. We currently assess

Summary

First published
September 21, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
18–20
View Incident

Incident date

August 11, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM139-C

LOCATION

Leego, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Local reporters alleged that US and Somali forces had killed four civilians including a mother and child, during an operation in Leego. Caasimada alleged that the civilians were killed around midnight, by Somali troops accompanied by ‘white US officers’, and claimed that the attacking forces had flown there from a military base to the north.

Summary

First published
August 11, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
(1 child1 woman)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Suspected belligerent
Somali Military Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
3–4
View Incident

Incident date

June 8, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM133

LOCATION

Baar, Lower Juba, Somalia

An American Special Forces soldier was killed – later named as Staff Sergeant Alexander Conrad – and four others were wounded in an attack by al Shabaab fighters in Jubaland. A member of a partner force was also killed or injured. The US soldiers were among a large force of 800 Somali and Kenyan soldiers

Summary

First published
June 8, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
1–3
Belligerents reported injured
5
View Incident

Incident date

May 10, 2018

Incident Code

CS1748a

LOCATION

Khatuniya, Al Hassakah, Syria

In an incident previously untracked by Airwars, the Coalition later confirmed the death of one civilian in an event near Khatuniya. The Pentagon later reported this to have been a US action. According to CJTFOIR’s June 2019 civilian casualty report: “Coalition forces engaged in a small arms fire event. Regrettably, one civilian was unintentionally killed

Summary

First published
May 10, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

May 9, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM127-C

LOCATION

Bulcida Macalinka (northeast), Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Five civilians were reportedly killed in a US and/or Somali-waged ground operation – possibly also involving airpower – in the Lower Shabelle region, local and international media reported. The US denied allegations of harm on several occasions. The raid was reportedly carried out by Somalia commandos, with the US saying American troops supported the mission

Summary

First published
May 9, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(5 men)
Civilians reported injured
5
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Known belligerents
US Forces, Somali Military Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
5 named
Belligerents reported killed
3–5
Belligerents reported injured
1
View Incident

Incident date

March 20, 2018

Incident Code

RS3317

LOCATION

سقبا, Saqba, Damascus, Syria

Local sources reported that 18 civilians were killed by alleged Russian or Syrian regime forces near a cemetery in the city of Saqba, Damascus governorate, on March 20th, 2018. @AJA_Syria tweeted that “Syrian executed 18 civilians on the ground near the cemetery of the city of Saqba, Ghouta, Damascus.” Other sources also reported that civilians

Summary

First published
March 20, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
18
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
Russian Military, Syrian Regime
View Incident

Incident date

January 18, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM115-C

LOCATION

Jameeco Jilyaale near Beled ul Amin, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

The US confirmed it had accompanied Somali troops in a mission that rescued 30 to 32 boys from an al Shabaab indoctrination centre in the Lower Shabelle region. However, during the rescue attempt, fire reportedly from Somali forces reportedly killed four or five children, and a teacher. A later US government FOIA response indicated that

Summary

First published
January 18, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(4–5 children1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Known belligerents
US Forces, Somali Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
4–5
Belligerents reported injured
6
View Incident

Incident date

August 25, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM088-C

LOCATION

Bariire, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

The US military and the Somali government announced they were investigating reports that ten civilians, including three children, were killed during an operation on a farm in Bariire, in Somalia’s southern Lower Shabelle region. However, on November 28th 2017, the US published a press release concluding that only “armed enemy combatants” were killed. Earlier that

Summary

First published
August 25, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10
(3 children1 woman6–10 men)
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Somali Military Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
10 named
Belligerents reported killed
0–6
View Incident

Incident date

May 23, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr085

LOCATION

البديع, Al Buday, Al Bayda, Yemen

US airstrikes reportedly targeted alleged AQAP militants in the Badi Al Awad district of Bayda governorate at around 3am on May 23rd 2017. There were no known associated reports of civilian harm. Several sources, including Yemeni security officials spoken with by the Associated Press, suggested that actions by US drones and helicopter gunships took place

Summary

First published
May 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground), Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
0–2
View Incident

Incident date

May 23, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr084-C

LOCATION

النجاد العذلان, Al Nijad Al Adhlan, Ma'rib, Yemen

Up to five civilians, including a fifteen-year-old boy and man over the age of 70, were reportedly killed in a US special forces ground operation in Al Khthala village, in the Al Jubah area of Marib governorate, beginning at around 1am on May 23rd 2017, though official US accounts of the raid claimed that there

Summary

First published
May 23, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground), Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 12
(1 child4–11 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–10
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
11 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
4–9
Belligerents reported injured
2–10
View Incident

Incident date

May 4, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM071

LOCATION

دار السلام, Andalus Radio, Darusalaam, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

In the first confirmed US kinetic operation since President Trump designated Somalia an active war zone in March 2017, one US Navy serviceman was killed and two or three others injured during an operation against al Shabaab in Somalia on May 5th (local time), the first declared American service member death in combat in the

Summary

First published
May 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
4–9
Belligerents reported injured
2–3
View Incident

Incident date

April 5, 2017

Incident Code

CI610

LOCATION

الشفاء, Mosul, Shafa, Nineveh, Iraq

Local sources reported that 16 civilians were killed and many were injured in Coalition and Iraqi government airstrikes on Al-Shafaa neighbourhood in West Mosul. In September 2019 the Coalition accepted responsibility for this incident. Its monthly civilian casualty report noted: “Coalition aircraft conducted an airstrike against a Daesh mortar position. Regrettably, 16 civilians were unintentionally

Summary

First published
April 5, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
16 – 25
Civilians reported injured
3–25
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
View Incident

Incident date

March 9, 2017

Incident Code

CS561

LOCATION

الكرامة, Al Karama, Raqqa, Syria

Between seven and 23 civilians including six children died and 18 to 30 more, including women and children, were injured in Coalition airstrikes on Al Karama town and nearby villages in Raqqa governorate, according to local sources. Raqqa is Being Slaughtered Silently reported the death of Jum’a Mahmood Hamad Al-Hito “who was killed today due

Summary

First published
March 9, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7 – 23
(6 children)
Civilians reported injured
18–30
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US-led Coalition
Known target
ISIS
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr025-C

LOCATION

وادي يشبم, Yashbum Valley, Shabwa, Yemen

Several sources reported that US airstrikes and ground forces targeted AQAP militants, including alleged leader Saad Atef, in the Yashbum Valley of al-Saeed district in Shabwa province, overnight from March 2nd-3rd 2017, following airstrikes in the same area early on March 2nd. There were multiple allegations of civilian harm as a result of heavy munitions

Summary

First published
March 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
10 – 14
(4 children4 women)
Civilians reported injured
4
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
7–11
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr015

LOCATION

موجان, Mojan, Abyan, Yemen

Multiple sources reported that US forces were involved in a combined arms operation that took place at dawn on March 2nd 2017 in Mogan, al-Maraqisha directorate, Abyan governorate. The action was variously alleged to have included airstrikes, naval bombardment, and troop landings. Some sources claimed the operation was implemented in cooperation with Emirati special forces

Summary

First published
March 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground), Drone Strike, Naval bombardment
Infrastructure
Education
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Belligerents reported killed
4–26
Belligerents reported injured
2–24
View Incident

Incident date

March 2, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr016

LOCATION

حصن سعيد, Fort Saeed, Abyan, Yemen

Some sources reported that US forces were involved in a beach landing operation on Nakheela beach, on the al-Maraqisha coast, Abyan governorate, in the region of or near the village of Mogan, at dawn on March 2nd 2017.  This raid allegedly took place in tandem with a reported combined arms operation, with which the US

Summary

First published
March 2, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Artillery, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground), Drone Strike, Naval bombardment
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2017

Incident Code

USYEMTr006-C

LOCATION

الغيل, al Ghayil, Yakla, Al Bayda, Yemen

At least 15 civilians, including at least 10 children and four women, were reportedly killed in a US Navy special forces operation in al-Ghayil village, Yakla region of Bayda province – though the reported civilian toll varied considerably. The US military has to date conceded 12 deaths. A force of US Navy SEALs engaged in

Summary

First published
January 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
15 – 56
(10–15 children4–10 women1–8 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–7
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP)
Named victims
32 named, 5 families identified
Belligerents reported killed
4–42
Belligerents reported injured
3–6
View Incident

Incident date

September 26, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM065

LOCATION

Caba, Lower Juba, Somalia

The US reported in a press release published on September 27th that it had conducted a “self-defence strike” in Caba near Kismayo the previous day, killing four al Shabaab fighters . The press release said that a group of armed al Shabaab fighters attacked the Somali force and their US advisors. The Somali forces returned

Summary

First published
September 26, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
4–5
View Incident

Incident date

September 5, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM062

LOCATION

Tortoroow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

The US reported two days after the event that it had conducted two “self-defence strikes” on September 5th against al Shabaab, killing four militants. According to an AFRICOM press release, the strikes hit near Tortoroow and were conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia after a Somali-led counter-terrorism operation came under attack. Garowe

Summary

First published
September 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
3
View Incident

Incident date

September 5, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM063

LOCATION

Tortoroow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

The US reported two days after the event that it had conducted two “self-defence strikes” on September 5th against al Shabaab, killing four militants in total. According to an AFRICOM press release, the strikes hit near Tortoroow and were conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia after a Somali-led counter-terrorism operation came under

Summary

First published
September 5, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
3
View Incident

Incident date

August 10, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM060

LOCATION

Saakow, Middle Juba, Somalia

US forces helped Somali commandos in an operation in southern Somalia that killed several members of al Shabaab, a Pentagon official said on August 16th. The operation took place on August 10th. Somali forces approached an al Shabaab checkpoint. The terrorists reportedly opened fire and a gun battle ensued. “US advisers accompanied the Somali-led force,

Summary

First published
August 10, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerents
US Forces, Somali Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
3
View Incident

Incident date

May 31, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM056

LOCATION

Farwamo, near Bulogadud, Lower Juba, Somalia

Up to 16 al Shabaab fighters died in an operation reportedly carried out by Somali forces with US support, multiple sources said. The US claimed at the time that at the time that Somali forces alone were responsible for the kinetic actions. However, a FOIA response obtained in 2019 confirmed that the US had in

Summary

First published
May 31, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerents
US Forces, Somali Military Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
16
View Incident

Incident date

May 12, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM053

LOCATION

Sabiid, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A US air strike reportedly killed five people – all of them said to be al Shabaab fighters. The attack was defensive and conducted to protect African troops on the ground, an Africom spokesperson told the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. The Ugandan soldiers, part of the African Union peacekeeping force Amisom, were attacking a makeshift

Summary

First published
May 12, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
5
View Incident

Incident date

April 2, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM049

LOCATION

Lower Juba, Somalia

This was the second of two strikes confirmed by the Pentagon on April 4th 2016. The attack was a “self-defence air strikes against al Shabaab fighters who posed imminent threats to US and partner nation forces in Somalia,” Department of Defense spokesperson Lieutenant-Colonel Michelle Baldanza told the Bureau of Investigative Journalism. Earlier on April 4th,

Summary

First published
April 2, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
6
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM048-C

LOCATION

Buufow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

At least four and up to 23 al Shabaab fighters were reported killed in a US airstrike at Buufow, near Janaaale. However more than three years later, one civilian fatality was also alleged. Two US actions on April 1st and April 2nd were later said to be “self-defence air strikes against al Shabaab fighters who

Summary

First published
April 1, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(1 man)
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Suspected belligerents
Amisom Military Forces, Somali Military Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
4–23
View Incident

Incident date

March 8, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM046

LOCATION

Awdheegle, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

At least 19 alleged militants were killed in a joint operation between US and Somali forces in the village of Awdhegle. US attack helicopters supported US and Somali Special Forces who attacked an al Shabaab target in southern Somalia, the Pentagon and Somali officials said. The assault took place overnight. The soldiers flew on US

Summary

First published
March 8, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Suspected belligerent
Somali Military Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
19
View Incident