US Forces in Somalia

Library image of an armed Reaper drone, December 2019 (US Air Force/ Senior Sergeant Haley Stevens)

Belligerent
Country
Somalia
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Strike Status
Strike Type
Infrastructure

Incident date

January 8, 2007

Incident Code

USSOM002-C

LOCATION

Hayo, Lower Juba, Somalia

According to international and local reports, up to 31 civilians, including at least one child, were killed as the town of Hayi or Xayo was subjected to either US or Ethiopian-waged airstrikes. Heavy civilian casualties were reported in airstrikes on Hayi near Afmadow, 250km northwest of Ras Kamboni, and other parts of southern Somalia, in

Summary

First published
January 9, 2007
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 31
(1 child1 woman1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Ethiopian Military Forces
Suspected target
Al Qaeda in East Africa
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

May 1, 2008

Incident Code

USSOM007-C

LOCATION

Dusa Marreb, Galguduud, Somalia

At least five and as many as 30 civilians, including children and one woman, were reportedly killed as US-launched missiles targeted and killed several top al Shabab commanders in Dusa Marreb, a Somali village near the Ethiopian border, local and international sources reported. Around 3am local time on May 1st, 2008, US naval-launched cruise missiles

Summary

First published
May 1, 2008
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 30
(2 children1 woman)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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-Shabaab
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
2–10
View Incident

Incident date

October 22, 2011

Incident Code

USSOM017-C

LOCATION

Afmadow, Lower Juba, Somalia

In this single-source claim, Somalia Report reported that at least 11 civilians died and more than 20 others were wounded after a possible US drone attacked Afmadow town in Lower Juba region. An eye witness, Mohamud Abdirahman, told Somalia Report: “I have seen 11 bodies and we believe that it was a US airstrike.” Locals

Summary

First published
October 22, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
11
Civilians reported injured
20
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
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
January 18, 2022
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

September 15, 2011

Incident Code

USSOM013-C

LOCATION

Kismayo, Lower Juba, Somalia

A single source reported that nine civilians died in alleged US drone strikes on Kismayo. According to the source Antiwar.com, “Eyewitnesses in the southern Somali port city of Kismayo have reported a number of missile strikes, apparently fired by US drones in and around the city. Terrified residents say that several loud explosions were heard

Summary

First published
September 15, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
9
(2 children2 women)
Civilians reported injured
0–30
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Unknown
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
5–30
View Incident

Incident date

January 23, 2007

Incident Code

USSOM004-C

LOCATION

Waldena, Lower Juba, Somalia

Up to eight people – some civilians – and one al Qaeda member, were killed as a US drone reportedly targeted, and later captured, a militant leader in Waldena. A fresh JSOC AC-130 strike in Somalia, reportedly operating from an airbase in eastern Ethiopia, targeted Ahmed Madobe, a deputy of ICU leader Hassan Turki. Madobe

Summary

First published
January 23, 2007
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 8
(2–3 women)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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 East Africa
Belligerents reported killed
5–9
Belligerents reported injured
1
View Incident

Incident date

June 23, 2014

Incident Code

SOM019b

LOCATION

Kuday, Lower Juba, Somalia

At least eight civilians were killed and as many as eight were wounded when fighter jets attacked the Somali village of Kudah, 160 kilometres southwest of Kismayo, a woman who had fled the village following the attack told the Kenyan group Journalists for Justice. According to the NGO: “Kudah, June 23, 2014. An elderly woman

Summary

First published
June 23, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
Civilians reported injured
8
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Known belligerent
Amisom Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
50
View Incident

Incident date

January 7, 2007

Incident Code

USSOM001-C

LOCATION

Ras Kamboni (possibly vicinity of Lag Badana Bushbush National Park), Lower Juba, Somalia

Up to eight civilians were reportedly killed as the US carried out an airstrike against al Qaeda leaders in Ras Kamboni, Lower Juba, international and local sources reported. Shortly after Ethiopian forces had invaded Somalia in late December 2006, the US carried out its first known combat operation within Somalia since the September 11 2001

Summary

First published
January 7, 2007
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 8
(2–5 children)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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 East Africa
Belligerents reported killed
8–45
Belligerents reported injured
3
View Incident

Incident date

August 16, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM087-C

LOCATION

Sheikh Ahmed Yare, 15 miles from Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

Seven civilians from the same family including a wife and husband died in US airstrikes which reportedly hit civilian homes near Jilib, according to two reports. The victims are named below. The US announced it carried out a series of attacks between August 16th and 17th, allegedly killing up to seven al Shabaab fighters. However

Summary

First published
August 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
7
(2 children1 woman4–6 men)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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-Shabaab
Named victims
7 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
7
View Incident

Incident date

March 3, 2008

Incident Code

USSOM006-C

LOCATION

Dhoobley, Lower Juba, Somalia

Up to six civilians were killed and as many as eight wounded as the US fired at least one and as many as three cruise missiles at Dhobley, a town in southern Somalia four miles from the Kenyan border, local and international sources reported. Pentagon spokesperson Bryan Whitman told AFP: “On March 2, the US

Summary

First published
March 3, 2008
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
Civilians reported injured
3–8
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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 East Africa
Belligerents reported killed
2–3
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2012

Incident Code

USSOM021-C

LOCATION

Kismayo, Lower Juba, Somalia

In this single-source claim, six people were allegedly killed as an airstrike carried out by US or Kenyan forces, struck near the al Shabaab stronghold of Kismayo, Sheikh Mohamud Abdi, a senior al-Shabaab commander, claimed to Reuters. It is not known whether the strike was by US or Kenyan forces. Kenya sent troops into Somalia

Summary

First published
January 21, 2012
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 6
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
6
View Incident

Incident date

December 6, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM108-C

LOCATION

130 km southwest of Mogadishu, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Between five and seven civilians, including two children, were killed when a vehicle carrying suspected al Shabaab fighters exploded in their village, after being hit by what is thought to have been a US airstrike – though US Africa Command deny any strikes in the area on this date. The explosion reportedly injured a further

Summary

First published
December 6, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5 – 7
(2 children3 men)
Civilians reported injured
2–3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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, Kenyan Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
7 named, 2 families identified
Belligerents reported killed
2–5
View Incident

Incident date

November 1, 2013

Incident Code

USSOM029-C

LOCATION

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

Five children from a single family were killed in the town of Jilib, in Somalia’s Middle Juba region, when their house was razed by aerial bombardment from an unknown belligerent (possibly Kenya), according to residents interviewed by the group Journalists for Justice. According to the report, “A third set of strikes took place a few

Summary

First published
November 1, 2013
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
5
(5 children)
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

June 1, 2014

Incident Code

USSOM031-C

LOCATION

Farigow, 3 km west of Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

Between one and five civilians, including women and children, were killed as the Farigow leper colony near Jilib, Middle Jubba was struck by unknown warplanes, international media reported. A woman living near the settlement told the Kenyan group Journalists for Justice that the colony was struck by jets by “mid 2014”, killing one person and

Summary

First published
May 20, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 5
(1–2 children1–2 women0–1 men)
Civilians reported injured
3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
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
January 18, 2022
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

October 6, 2011

Incident Code

USSOM015-C

LOCATION

Dolbiyow, 35 kilometers east of Dhobley, Lower Juba, Somalia

Four Somali farmers were reported to have been killed in a possible drone strike in Dolbiyow Village, 35km east of Dhobley according to Somalia Report, while one was reportedly injured. The farmers and their camels were killed moments after al-Shabaab fighters fled the area in vehicles, witnesses said. However, a TFG official told Somalia Report

Summary

First published
October 6, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

January 31, 2015

Incident Code

USSOM035-C

LOCATION

Diinsoor, Bay, Somalia

At least four civilian casualties were reported injured or killed in a confirmed US attack on Dinsooor, though it was not clear if they were injured or killed. JSOC had targeted and killed Yusef Dheeqm, al Shabaab’s head of external operations in the drone strike. Rear Admiral John Kirby confirmed in two separate Pentagon press conferences

Summary

First published
January 31, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 4
Civilians reported injured
4
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
2–5
View Incident

Incident date

April 1, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM123-C

LOCATION

Ceel Buur, Mudug, Somalia

Up to four civilians, including one child and one woman, were killed along with up to five al Shabaab fighters as a US airstrike struck El Burr, Galmudug, international media reported. Following a year of denials, US Africa Command admitted in April 2019 that civilians had in fact died in the event – and that

Summary

First published
April 1, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2 – 4
(1 child1 woman2 men)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
4 named
Belligerents reported killed
2–5
View Incident

Incident date

March 18, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM209-C

LOCATION

Laantabuur or Abdow Dibile, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Up to four civilians were killed in a US strike in the Lower Shabelle region, international media and investigating NGOs reported from the ground, though US Africa Command claimed that the strike had only killed three “terrorists.” It later again officially denied causing any civilian casualties. Initially, allegations of civilian harm came from a Reuters

Summary

First published
March 18, 2019
Last updated
March 14, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 4
(3–4 men)
Civilians reported injured
0–1
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Unknown
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-Shabaab
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
1–4
View Incident

Incident date

June 1, 2013

Incident Code

USSOM026-C

LOCATION

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

Drones and helicopters reportedly attacked outside the town of Jilib, in Somalia’s Middle Juba region, killing three people and seriously wounding seven, according to locals interviewed by the Kenyan group Journalists for Justice. Of the three people killed, two were women and one an elderly man, and of those wounded, three were reportedly children. As

Summary

First published
June 1, 2013
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 women1 man)
Civilians reported injured
7
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

May 29, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM130-C

LOCATION

Bariire, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A suspected airstrike in a field outside Bariire, a village 30 miles west of Mogadishu, killed three boys and left one woman injured, according to The National. Journalist Amanda Sperber met Halimo Mohamed Abdi, a herder who was injured in the action: “The blast broke both her hips, left shrapnel embedded in her thigh, and

Summary

First published
May 31, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Civilians reported injured
1
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
0–12
View Incident

Incident date

September 19, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM145-C

LOCATION

سااكوو, Saakow, Middle Juba, Somalia

At least three children were killed as up to 12 al Shabaab members were targeted and killed by a night time airstrike, local and international media reported – though it was unclear who was behind the attack. Several senior al Shabaab officials were killed or wounded in an airstrike, Somalia intelligence officials reportedly said. The

Summary

First published
September 19, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces, Ethiopian Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
12
Belligerents reported injured
1
View Incident

Incident date

November 10, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM099-C

LOCATION

2km north of Baasra, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

US forces carried out a strike against al Shabaab at approximately 8pm local Somalia time killing “several” fighters, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said. It was also alleged by local officials that three civilians had died. The strike hit the Lower Shabelle region. A Somali military official told Voice of America the strike, which they said

Summary

First published
November 10, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
10–13
View Incident

Incident date

November 12, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM101-C

LOCATION

Southeast of Darusalaam, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A US strike on al Shabaab fighters in the Lower Shabelle region also killed three civilians, Amnesty International later reported. Two US strikes took place in Somalia on November 12th, with one targeting al Shabaab and the other hitting Islamic State fighters, according to US Africa Command. The strikes killed “several fighters”, it said. The

Summary

First published
November 12, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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-Shabaab
Named victims
3 named
Belligerents reported killed
0–3
View Incident

Incident date

August 2, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM138-C

LOCATION

Gobanle (Gobaale), Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Three civilians were reportedly killed in a US strike in Gobanle village, according to Amnesty International – though US Africa Command claimed that only four “terrorists” were killed. However an AFRICOM declassified assessment of the event published in July 2019 indicated that the US itself was unaware of the identities of those in the vehicle

Summary

First published
August 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 men)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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-Shabaab
Named victims
3 named
Belligerents reported killed
1–4
View Incident

Incident date

March 1, 2013

Incident Code

USSOM025-C

LOCATION

Kol, near Bula Xawa, Gedo, Somalia

Two airstrikes by an unknown belligerent hit the nomadic settlement of Kol, near the city of Bulla-Xama, in southwestern Somalia’s Gedo region, killing a mother and her two children and injuring five others, a young man who fled the settlement following the strike told the Kenyan group Journalists for Justice. According to a report, Black

Summary

First published
March 1, 2013
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(2 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
5
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Suspected target
Unknown
Named victims
3 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

April 11, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM051-C

LOCATION

1.2 km east of Yontoy, Lower Juba, Somalia

Three civilians were reportedly killed in a US drone strike in Lower Juba. The attack began late on April 11 and continued into the small hour of April 12, Lt Col Michelle Baldanza of AFRICOM later said in a statement. The camp “posed an imminent threat to US personnel,” she said. Somali officials allege the

Summary

First published
April 11, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1 woman)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
5–15
View Incident

Incident date

February 21, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM118-C

LOCATION

Bangeeni, Lower Juba, Somalia

Up to five people, including two reported civilians, were killed in a US military airstrike that hit in the vicinity of Jamaame, in Somalia’s Lower Juba region, international media reported. According to a US Africa Command press release, a US strike on al Shabaab killed four members of the group. VOA reporter Khadar Hared tweeted that

Summary

First published
February 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
3–5
View Incident

Incident date

October 13, 2011

Incident Code

USSOM016-C

LOCATION

10 km east of Taabta, Lower Juba, Somalia

In this single-source allegation, civilians were reported as possibly harmed following attacks on an al Shabaab base near Taabta village, Lower Juba, Somalia Report reported. It was not clear who was behind the actions. Somalia Report reported that drones had targeted an al-Shabaab base used to train new fighters. Its source cited TFG military official

Summary

First published
October 13, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–2
Airwars civilian harm grading
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

October 16, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM095-C

LOCATION

Farah Waeys, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A US drone strike near Bariire on October 16th was confirmed by the US military. However, numerous allegations of civilian harm by international media have been denied. Whilst US Africa Command did not initially publish a press release regarding this strike, they confirmed to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism at the time that they carried

Summary

First published
October 16, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
2
(2 men)
Civilians reported injured
5–8
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
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-Shabaab
Named victims
4 named
Belligerents reported killed
2–5
Belligerents reported injured
3
View Incident