AFRICOM declared conducting an airstrike on September 18th 2022 against Al-Shabaab terrorists who were reportedly attacking the Somalia National Army forces near Buulobarde, Somalia. The US confirmed responsibility for killing 27 militants in this strike, according to the US, with the Somalia National Army saying that over 100 militants were killed in the whole operation which lasted over 72 hours. There were other reports in local and national media that 75 militants were killed in one of the operations within this time period, in the same location.  It is unclear to the extent of the US involvement beyond the strike that they have declared.

There were no reports of civilian casualties from these strikes.

The Federal Republic of Somalia released a press release on September 19th 2022 which stated “Somali National Army has conducted offensive operations in Yasoman and Aborey in Hiran Region in the last 72 hours. SNA has killed in this operation more than 100 members of Al-Shabab who wre terrorising the local people. Air support from United States of America has assisted this operation led by SNA. The Government of Somalia appreciates the US Government for its continual support in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.”

The US released a statement a few days later, on September 22nd, confirming that they conducted an airstrike in the Hiran region “at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia… against al-Shabaab terrorists who were attacking Somali National Army forces near Buulobarde.” The US military reported that the airstrike was during a battle between Al-Shabaab fighters and Somali government forces.

One local source on Twitter, @HassanIstilla reported that “four people, including traditional elders, were killed when their vehicle hit a landmine on Saturday (17th) near Buq-aqable district in Hiran region. Al-Shabab denied responsibility and claimed that a US airstrike killed them. AFRICOM, or SNA did not announce an airstrike in the region.” However, the US and SNA operation was announced by the SNA on 19th, and the US confirmed their involvement on the 22nd.

AFRICOM reported that it was the largest combined military operation in the region in five years.

The @SomaliGuardian reported on Twitter that “Al-Shabaab says that it has killed 18 soldiers, wounded 20 others in fighting with govt troops, under cover of US air support, near the twon of Boco in Hiran region. It adds that Gorgor commander in the region is among casualties. No comment from SNA.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

US declared airstrikes near Cadale, Middle Shabelle, Somalia on December 14, 2022 allegedly killed seven al-Shabaab militants, with no civilians killed or injured. Statements from the Somali government put casualty counts at 88 al-Shabaab militants killed in Middle Shabelle.

AFRICOM released a statement on December 18th that “At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted two collective self-defense strikes, one each on Dec. 14 and 17, 2022, in support of Somali National Army engagements against al-Shabaab near Cadale, Somalia. The Dec. 14 strike took place 176 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu, in the vicinity of Cadale. The current assessment is 7 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed….U.S. Africa Command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed in either strike.”

@BCFinucane pointed out that the US Congress failed to include a provision in the military spending bill that would have restricted designation of partner force eligible for collective self defense strikes.

A tweet from @dhoorebbc quoted Somalia’s Deputy Information Minister, who told state media that 88 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in Juhay village in Middle Shabelle region in an operation carried out by the Somali National Army with support of airstrikes from the US. VOA also pointed out that the Somalia government said on December 15th that 88 al-Shabab fighters were killed in the 48-hour operation, which was conducted in collaboration with international partners.

VOA News reported that the government also published images and videos of what they alleged were al-Shabaab fighters killed in the operation, in addition to announcing that an al-Shabaab commander identified as Yusuf Mohamed Jingab was among those killed in the operation.

The local time of the incident is unknown.