Civilian Casualty Archive

Start Date

End Date

Country

Somalia

Military Actor

U.S. Forces

Strike Type

Causes of Death / Injury

Strike Status

Civilian Harm Status

Belligerent Assessment

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Incident DatePublication Date
58 incidents

Incident Date

9 January 2023

Incident Code

USSOM365

Location

Hawadley, Middle Shabelle, Somalia
Up to 61 al-Shabaab militants were killed and dozens of others were wounded by alleged US drone strikes/Somali army operations near Hawadlay on January 9, 2022. Anadolu Agency reported that according to the Somali Information Ministry, at least 61 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed and dozens others were wounded by an operation carried out by the…

Summary

Published
9 January 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike), Ground operation
Infrastructure
Agriculture
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

20 January 2023

Incident Code

USSOM366

Location

Galcad, Galguduud, Somalia
AFRICOM declared that they had carried out an airstrike or drone strike that killed between 30 and 100 alleged militants approximately 260 km northeast of Mogadishu near Galcad, Somalia on January 20, 2023. There are no known reports of civilian harm. US AFRICOM announced that "at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in…

Summary

Published
20 January 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

23 January 2023

Incident Code

USSOM367

Location

Xaradheere, Mudug, Somalia
Between two and 47 alleged al-Shabaab militants were killed by declared US airstrikes or drone strikes near Xaradheere, Somalia approximately 396 km northeast of Mogadishu on January 23, 2023. There are no known reports of civilian casualties. US AFRICOM released a statement that "at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of…

Summary

Published
23 January 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

25 January 2023

Incident Code

USSOM368

Location

Almiskad mountains, Bari, Somalia
An ISIS leader and 10 of his associates were killed by a declared US counterterrorism operation in the Almiskad mountains of Bari region, Somalia on January 25, 2023. One US service member was injured during the operation when a dog bit him. AFRICOM initially released a statement that "the U.S. military conducted a successful counterterrorism operation…

Summary

Published
25 January 2023
Strike Type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Causes of Death / Injury
Small arms and light weapons
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

25 January 2023

Incident Code

USSOM369

Location

Xaradheere, Mudug, Somalia
Four al-Shabaab militants were killed by declared AFRICOM strikes near Xaradheere on January 25, 2023. AFRICOM released a statement on January 30th that "At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of Somali National Army engagements against al-Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike on Jan. 25, 2023. The strike…

Summary

Published
25 January 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

30 January 2023

Incident Code

USSOM371-C

Location

Between Fidow and Qura’ley, Middle Shabelle, Somalia
At least seven civilians, including three children, were killed by alleged US drone strikes between Fidow and Qura’ley villages on January 30, 2023. Shabelle Media Network spoke with the deputy Mahas district commissioner who said that seven villagers, including children, were killed by a strike believed to have been carried out by the US. Residents…

Summary

Published
30 January 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Civilians reported killed
7
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

10 February 2023

Incident Code

USSOM372

Location

Donlaye, Mudug, Somalia
Between 12 and 117 alleged al-Shabaab militants were killed by declared AFRICOM airstrikes and/or Somali National Army operations in Donlaye, near Amara town, on February 10, 2023. AFRICOM released a statement on February 12th that "At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of Somali National Army engagements against al-Shabaab, U.S. Africa…

Summary

Published
10 February 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike, Ground operation
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

15 February 2023

Incident Code

USSOM373

Location

Bacadweyne, Mudug, Somalia
Between five and 70 alleged al-Shabaab militants were killed by declared US airstrikes and/or Somali government ground actions near Bacadweyne in the Mudug of central Galmudug state on February 15, 2023. AFRICOM released a statement on February 16th that "At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of Somali National Army…

Summary

Published
15 February 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike, Ground operation
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

15 February 2023

Incident Code

USSOM375

Location

Hawda Qaycad, Mudug, Somalia
Local and official sources alleged that 10 al-Shabaab militants were killed and others were injured by Somalia National Army operations and airstrikes near Hawda Qaycad on February 15, 2023. Abdi Garad Omar Mohamed, one of the officials of Wisil district in Mudug region, told Mustaqbal Media News that around 60 members of al-Shabaab were killed in…

Summary

Published
15 February 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike, Ground operation
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

21 February 2023

Incident Code

USSOM377

Location

Galmudug, Mudug, Somalia
At least seven alleged al-Shabaab militants were killed by declared US airstrikes near Galmudug, Somalia on February 21, 2023. AFRICOM released a statement on February 22nd that "At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of Somali National Army engagements against al-Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike on…

Summary

Published
21 February 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

3 March 2023

Incident Code

USSOM381

Location

Turdho village, Lower Juba, Somalia
13 al-Shabaab militants were killed during operations allegedly carried out by the Somali National Army Danab Special Forces with the aid of the US Africa Command and the Jubbaland State Forces in Turdho village of Lower Jubba on March 3, 2022. Garowe Online reported that an operation carried out by the Danab Special Forces with the…

Summary

Published
3 March 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike, Ground operation
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

20 May 2023

Incident Code

USSOM385

Location

Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia
One senior al-Shabaab militant was injured by declared US AFRICOM airstrikes on Jilib, Somalia on May 20, 2023. Somali National News Agency's Twitter account @SONNALIVE first announced that "In a joint operation with international allies, the armed forces launched an airstrike on #Jilib city, the headquarters of #AlShabab terrorists. The enemy suffered losses in terms…

Summary

Published
20 May 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

26 May 2023

Incident Code

USSOM386

Location

Vicinity of ATMIS forward operating base, Bulo Marer, 75 miles south-west of Mogadishu, South-eastern Somalia, Somalia
On the 26th of May, 2023, U.S. forces conducted an airstrike against Al-Shabaab fighters in the vicinity of an ATMIS (African Union Transition Mission in Somalia) forward operating base in Bulo Marer, 75 miles southwest of Mogadishu, Somalia. To date, there have been no reports of civilian harm with regard to the airstrike, while a…

Summary

Published
26 May 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

1 June 2023

Incident Code

USSOM387

Location

in the vicinity of Wayanta, Lower Juba, Somalia
Three al-Shabaab fighters were allegedly killed by declared US airstrikes in the vicinity of Wayanta, Somalia on June 1. There have been no reports of civilian harm at this time. AFRICOM released a statement that "at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of the Somali National Army engagements against al…

Summary

Published
1 June 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

16–17 June, 2023

Incident Codes

USSOM391 KS002

Location

Salagle, Middle Juba, Somalia
Two civilian women were killed and two children were injured by alleged Kenyan or United Arab Emirates or US airstrikes on Salagle in Middle Jubba on June 16, 2023. The Horn Observer reported that two civilians, a mother and her child, were killed and two other children sustained injuries from airstrikes on Salagle. A tweet…

Summary

Published
16 June 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Civilians reported killed
2
Civilians reported injured
2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

16 June 2023

Incident Code

USSOM389

Location

14 km from Jamame district, Lower Juba, Somalia
43 al-Shabaab militants were killed by alleged US airstrikes near Jamaane District in Lower Jubba on June 16, 2023. Garowe Online reported that airstrike carried out by the US struck a location where al-Shabaab militants were holding a meeting in Jamaane District in Lower Jubba, killing "several" militants. @SONNALIVE specified that the airstrikes occurred around…

Summary

Published
16 June 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

16–17 June, 2023

Incident Codes

USSOM390 KS001

Location

Saakow, Middle Juba, Somalia
A civilian was injured by alleged Kenyan or United Arab Emirates or US airstrike on Saakow in Middle Jubba on June 16/17, 2023. Horn Observer reported that a civilian was injured by airstrikes in Saakow, possibly carried out by Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, or the US. Hormuud, Somalia’s largest telecom provider, also announced that…

Summary

Published
16 June 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Infrastructure
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

8–9 July, 2023

Incident Code

USSOM392

Location

near Afmadow, Lower Juba, Somalia
Between 10 and 40 militants were killed by declared US airstrikes near Afmadow in Lower Juba on July 8, 2023. AFRICOM announced on July 9, 2023 that "At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted three collective self-defense airstrikes overnight in a remote area near Afmadow, approximately 105 kilometers north…

Summary

Published
8 July 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

12 July 2023

Incident Code

USSOM393

Location

Weelmarow Village, Lower Juba, Somalia
Kenyans.co.ke reported that a joint operation by US Commandos, Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) and the Security Forces in Jubaland resulted in the death of 17 al-Shabaab militants in Weelmarow Village in Lower Juba. The source added that the majority of the al-Shabaab militants were Kenyan and Ethiopian natives. No other sources reported on the incident.

Summary

Published
12 July 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike, Ground operation
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

19 July 2023

Incident Code

USSOM394

Location

near Hareeri Kalle, Galguduud, Somalia
Between five and 100 militants were killed and several others were injured by declared US airstrikes and Somali ground operations near Hareeri Kalle in July 19, 2023. AFRICOM released a statement that "At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike in a remote area near Hareeri…

Summary

Published
19 July 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

24 July 2023

Incident Code

USSOM396

Location

in the Bisig Adde settlement of Buurhakabe district, Bay, Somalia
Mepa News reported that US airstrikes on the Bisig Adde settlement of Buurhakabe district on July 24, 2023 bombarded civilian areas, resulting in the death of 5 civilians, including children, and the injury of 10 civilians. Images posted by the source show multiple injured civilians being treated. No other sources reported on this incident.

Summary

Published
24 July 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
5
Civilians reported injured
10
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

15 August 2023

Incident Code

USSOM397

Location

in a remote area near Cali Heele, Galguduud, Somalia
Five al-Shabaab militants were reportedly killed by declared US airstrikes near Cali Heele in the Galgaduud region on August 15, 2023 AFRICOM released a statement that "At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike in a remote area near Cali Heele, approximately 244 kilometers North East…

Summary

Published
15 August 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

20 August 2023

Incident Code

USSOM398

Location

Buk Akable settlement, Hiiraan, Somalia
Mepa News reported that according to local sources, US airstrikes on the Buk Akable settlement resulted in the death of three civilians, including women and children, and the injury of seven others. The source stated that Somalia government media was claiming that those killed were members of al-Shabaab and that AFRICOM has not released a…

Summary

Published
20 August 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
3
Civilians reported injured
7
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

26 August 2023

Incident Code

USSOM401

Location

in the vicinity of Seiera, Lower Juba, Somalia
13 al-Shabaab militants were killed by declared US airstrikes in the vicinity of Seiera in Lower Jubba on August 26, 2023. AFRICOM announced that "At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against al Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Seiera, Somalia, approximately 45 kilometers northwest…

Summary

Published
26 August 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

2 September 2023

Incident Code

USSOM402

Location

Xerta Sheikh Mohamed Rage Center, about 500 meters south of Dumaaye village, Mudug, Somalia
Somali state media reported that 167 al-Shabaab militants were killed by Somali airstrikes in collaboration with “international partners” near Harardhere town on September 2, 2023. al-Shabaab instead identified those killed as four inmates in a prison, adding that seven others were injured, while a local source attributed the airstrike to the US military. @HarunMaruf quoted…

Summary

Published
2 September 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

6 September 2023

Incident Code

USSOM403

Location

Oodweyn, Mudug, Somalia
Up to seven civilians, including up to five children and a woman, were killed and up to five others, including children, were injured during an operation that has been declared by the Somali government. The US has denied directly participating in the operation despite accusations of US drone/air strikes, while the Somali government has denied…

Summary

Published
6 September 2023
Strike Type
Ground operation, Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilians reported killed
1–7
Civilians reported injured
1–5
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

10 September 2023

Incident Code

USSOM404

Location

Forward Operating Base in Awdhegle district, Lower Shabelle, Somalia
Scores of militants were killed by alleged US drone strikes near Forward Operation Base in #Awdhegle district on September 10, 2023. A tweet from @HornSentinel reported that US drones carried out two strikes against al-Shabaab fighter who had stormed the Somali National Army (SNA) Forward Operation Base in #Awdhegle district, resulting in the death of…

Summary

Published
10 September 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

22 September 2023

Incident Code

USSOM405

Location

Wajid District, Bakool, Somalia
The militant organization Al-Shabaab claimed that U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) had conducted an airstrike against the terrorist network on 22nd of September, 2023. The group alleged that the airstrike, carried out in the Wajid district of Bakool in southwestern Somalia, had reportedly killed eight civilians, including six children. However, the Somalia government declared their responsibility…

Summary

Published
22 September 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Civilians reported killed
8
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

23 September 2023

Incident Code

USSOM406

Location

Villages of Balal-Dheer, El-Gambar, and Mililiqo, Galguduud, Somalia
Local and official sources alleged that 27 al-Shabaab militants were killed by operations and airstrikes declared by the Somali military in the villages of Balal-Dheer, El-Gambar, and Mililiqo on September 22, 2023. On Friday the 22nd of September, 2023, the Somali Ministry of Defense posted a statement on X / Twitter that “over 27 Khawarij…

Summary

Published
23 September 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

23 September 2023

Incident Code

USSOM407

Location

Elbur, Galguduud, Somalia
An unknown number of Al-Shabaab members, including top leaders, were reportedly killed by airstrikes allegedly carried out by the US and/or Somali military on Elbur in Galgaduud province on September 23, 2023. There have been no reports of civilian casualties connected to the strikes. On the 23rd of September, 2023, the Somali Ministry of Defense…

Summary

Published
23 September 2023
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident