US Forces in Somalia

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

Belligerent
US Forces
Country
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

Incident date

October 3, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM250a-C

LOCATION

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

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

First published
October 3, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested 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
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
View Incident

Incident date

January 19, 2021

Incident Code

USSOM331-C

LOCATION

Jamaame, Lower Juba, Somalia

One civilian was allegedly killed in a US airstrike on Jamaame. Halgan Media said: “US drones just bombed the town of Jamaame in the Lower Jubba province of Somalia and killed a prominent Clan elder named Mohamed Abbas, who died instantly when a missile from a US drone hit his home – Sources.” Somali Memo,

Summary

First published
January 19, 2021
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 1
(0–1 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
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
1–3
View Incident

Incident date

January 23, 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

First published
January 23, 2023
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Geolocation
Town
Belligerents reported killed
2–47
View Incident

Incident date

January 24, 2024

Incident Code

USSOM415

LOCATION

Remorse area in the vicinity of Caad, Mudug, Somalia

On the 24th of January, 2024, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against Al-Shabaab in a remote area near the town of Caad in the Mudug region of eastern Somalia. AFRICOM stated that six Al-Shabaab militants were killed in the strike and assessed that no civilians were injured or killed. AFRICOM released a statement

Summary

First published
January 24, 2024
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
6
View Incident

Incident date

December 2, 2015

Incident Code

USSOM043

LOCATION

Kunyo-Barow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

At least three alleged members of al Shahaab were killed in an airstrike against Kunyo-Barow village. The US action killed Abdirahman Sandhere, a senior al Shabaab fighter, the US Defence of Department (DoD) declared, along with two other suspected members of the group. There are currently no reports of civilian harm from this strike. The

Summary

First published
December 2, 2015
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
3
View Incident

Incident date

July 30, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM084

LOCATION

Tortoroow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed a US strike killed Ali Muhammad Hussein, believed to be a high-level al Shabaab commander. No civilians were reported to have been killed or injured in the strike. The strike took place in Tortoroow in southern Somalia at around 1500 local time on July 30th, reportedly killing Jabal alone. Africom

Summary

First published
July 30, 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
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

February 26, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM119

LOCATION

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

AFRICOM reported that the previous day it had “conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab militants on Feb. 26, in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia”. It added: “We assess no civilians were killed in this strike.” However, AFRICOM claimed that the airstrike killed two terrorists and wounded two more. Shabelle Media Network had reported a strike carried out

Summary

First published
February 26, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
2
Belligerents reported injured
1
View Incident

Incident date

November 20, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM159

LOCATION

Caad, Mudug, Somalia

AFRICOM reported the following day that it had “conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Quy Cad, Somalia on November 20, 2018.” It added: “We currently assess this airstrike did not injure or kill any civilians.” However, AFRICOM claimed that the airstrike “killed seven (7) militants”. In a subsequent FOIA response obtained by

Summary

First published
November 20, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
7
View Incident

Incident date

March 7, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM203

LOCATION

Bur Madow area, Bay, Somalia

A possible US or Kenyan airstrike was conducted in the Bur Madow area, Bay region according to Mareeg Media. The article, published a day after the alleged strike, did not state if anybody had been killed. According to Mareeg: “Unknown fighter jets carried out an airstrike targeting Al-Shabaab foreign fighters in south west of Somalia. The

Summary

First published
March 7, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

July 24, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM059

LOCATION

El Adde, Gedo, Somalia

Local residents said jets bombed an al Shabaab camp near El Adde in Gedo region late at night on Sunday July 24. The attack hit the same area that 100 Kenyan peacekeepers were killed in January 2016 when al Shabaab forces overran their base. It was attributed to the Kenyan Defence Force with the Pentagon

Summary

First published
July 24, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
70
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM156-C

LOCATION

Radio Andalus, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

Airstrikes by an unknown party destroyed part of an al-Andalus radio station in Jilib – a propaganda service run by the terror group al Shabaab. At least one person described as a journalist was reported injured or killed. According to Middle East Monitor, “An air strike; believed to be American, has destroyed the Al-Andalus radio

Summary

First published
November 18, 2018
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1
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, Unknown
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

December 28, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM263

LOCATION

Vicinity of Caliyoow Barrow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

In apparent retaliatory strikes against al Al Shabaab for a mass casualty bombing in Mogadishu a day earlier, the United States said that it had conducted three strikes against al Shbaab commanders, killing four people in total. This entry relates to one strike in the vicinity of Caliyoow Barrow in Lower Shabelle. it later emerged

Summary

First published
December 28, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

March 10, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM292

LOCATION

Bu'aale, Middle Juba, Somalia

A US airstrike targeted Al Shabaab in Bu’aale, according to local reporting. Radio Kulmiye said: “Suspected US airstrikes targeted to Al-shabaab compounds in southern Somalia. The attacks destroyed vehicles, camps and killed militants. According to Somali intelligence officials, the airstrikes carried by unidentified military planes targeted Jilib, Sakow and Bu’ale towns of Middle Jubba region,

Summary

First published
March 10, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Somali Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported injured
1
View Incident

Incident date

August 8, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM313

LOCATION

Haway, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A senior Al Shabaab operative was allegedly killed by a possible US drone strike in Haway. Mareeg reported: “A suspected US drone has carried out two airstrikes targeting high-ranking al Shabaab operatives in southern regions of Somalia. The first strike has targeted a senior Al Shabaab commander, whose name has been released as Daahir Mo’alin

Summary

First published
August 8, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

February 22, 2022

Incident Code

USSOM345

LOCATION

Fiidow, Hiiraan, Somalia

At least 60 Al-Shabaab militants were reported killed in a declared US airstrike in support of Somali ground actions, at Fiidow village in Hiiraan on February 22, 2022. Somali National Television reported that “over 60 Al Shabab terrorists were killed in a planned security operation conducted by #Somali National Army with support of airstrikes of

Summary

First published
February 22, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
60
View Incident

Incident date

June 16, 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

First published
June 16, 2023
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
43
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM057

LOCATION

Galgala, Bari, Somalia

Unidentified jets struck what were described as “al Shabaab hideouts” in Galgala in the northern autonomous region of Puntland, according to a local report. Garowe Online said the strikes – carried out by warplanes “launched from a carrier at sea” – hit militants in their bases along the Golis Mountain Ranges in Puntland, northern Somalia.

Summary

First published
June 11, 2016
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Unknown
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM097

LOCATION

Buqa, Bari, Somalia

On November 3rd 2017, AFRICOM reported that it had “conducted two separate airstrikes against ISIS, in northeastern Somalia on Nov. 3”. It made no mention of civilian harm. However, AFRICOM stated that the strikes had killed “several terrorists”, though it was “currently assessing the results of the strikes”. The command added: “The first strike occurred at approximately

Summary

First published
November 3, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
ISIS - Somalia
Belligerents reported killed
2–20
View Incident

Incident date

January 2, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM176

LOCATION

Deerow Sanle, Bay, Somalia

AFRICOM reported the day previously it had conducted “one airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Dheerow Sanle, Somalia, on January 2, 2019.” It added: “At this time we assess no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.” However, AFRICOM stated that “10 militants” were killed in this event. Voice of America reporter Harun

Summary

First published
January 2, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
9–10
Belligerents reported injured
7
View Incident

Incident date

April 19, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM215

LOCATION

Vicinity of Jamaame, Lower Juba, Somalia

The US military carried out an airstrike in the vicinity of Jamaame, Lower Juba Region, according to a press release issued the next day by US Africa Command. It was later reported that one of those killed had been responsible for the death of a US soldier in Somalia in June 2018. AFRICOM’s initial press

Summary

First published
April 19, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Unknown
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

November 29, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM107

LOCATION

Tortoroow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A US airstrike targeted an al Shabaab training camp in Tortoorow, Lower Shabelle according to local media. While not declared by AFRICOM at the time, the US later admitted the event in a May 2019 FOIA response. According to Garowe Online, “The attack took place in Toratorow, a main al Shabaab stronghold town in the

Summary

First published
November 29, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

May 9, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM221

LOCATION

Jamaame, Lower Juba, Somalia

According to local sources, an airstrike by an unknown party targeted a ‘foreign al Shabaab commander’ around dawn on May 9th 2019. According to Horn Globe, “A second huge blast was heard in Jamame town, around dawn. The target of the second air attack was al-Shabaab commander in charge of planning operations, a Somali intelligence officer

Summary

First published
May 9, 2019
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
5
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM273

LOCATION

Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

The chief spokesman of the Somali government, Ismael Mukhtar Omar, reported in a tweet that an al Shabaab compound in Jilib had been destroyed by a US airstrike. AFRICOM did not declare the strike at the time, though did later confirm the action on February 3rd/4th. According to Omar’s initial tweet, “In the early morning

Summary

First published
January 29, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

April 2, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM300

LOCATION

Bush Madina, Bay, Somalia

Three Al Shabaab fighters were allegedly killed in a US airstrike near Bush Madina. The AFRICOM press release said: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Bush Madina, Somalia, April 2. The command’s initial assessment concluded this airstrike killed three (3)

Summary

First published
April 2, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Belligerents reported killed
3
View Incident

Incident date

November 6, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM322

LOCATION

غندرشي, Gandarshe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A CIA paramilitary officer was killed in Somalia as a result of a joint ground raid with Somali special forces, it was later reported. Four elite Somali Danab troops also died during the event. Sources close to Al Shabaab first reported on the incident. Somali Memo said: “Reports from Gandarshe area say that a suicide

Summary

First published
November 6, 2020
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Causes of injury / death
Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO), Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
5
View Incident

Incident date

September 9, 2022

Incident Code

USSOM351-C

LOCATION

Mubarak, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Up to 10 civilians, including a child, were killed and up to 20 others were injured in alleged Somali and/or US airstrikes or drone strikes on the village of Mubarak on September 9, 2022. Sources are conflicted as to whether one of the people, Abdullahi Sheikh Abukar known locally as ‘Arab” was a member of

Summary

First published
September 9, 2022
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3 – 10
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
10–20
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 belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
9 named
Geolocation
Village
Belligerents reported killed
0–2
Belligerents reported injured
0–10
View Incident

Incident date

September 6, 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

First published
September 6, 2023
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike, Ground operation
Infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
(3–5 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1–5
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Somali Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Village
Belligerents reported killed
2–3
View Incident

Incident date

September 1, 2014

Incident Code

USSOM032

LOCATION

Sablaale, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

In this strike in Barawe, Lower Shabelle, up to six al Shabaab militants were killed, including the the group’s leader, Ahmed Abdi Godane (aka Mukhtar Abu Zubeyr or Ahmed Abdi Aw Mohamed), international and local media reported. There were no reports of civilian harm. The strike was the first known US attack in Somalia for some

Summary

First published
September 1, 2014
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
1–6
View Incident

Incident date

June 11, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM073

LOCATION

Bohol Jawarey, Middle Juba, Somalia

A US strike on an al Shabaab “command and logistics node” killed eight members of the group, according to a US Africa Command press release. There were claims that Abdirahman Mohamed Warsame, a commander of the terror group’s intelligence wing was killed in the strike, though this was not confirmed by AFRICOM. No civilians were

Summary

First published
June 11, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
8
View Incident

Incident date

December 11, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM109

LOCATION

مبارك, Mubaraak, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

US Forces carried out a strike against an “al-Shabaab vehicle-borne improvised explosive device” in the early hours of December 12th, US Africa Command announced, which it said had removed an “imminent threat to the people of Mogadishu”. The early morning strike hit 65 kilometers southwest of the capital, AFRICOM said (later noting that the strike

Summary

First published
December 12, 2017
Last updated
December 15, 2024
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident