Geolocation
Airwars assessment
Six Al Shabaab members were allegedly killed and three more injured by a US strike in combination with a US/Somali ground operation near Darusalaam. Local sources claimed US soldiers had been injured which AFRICOM denied.
A report from Halgan Media said: “US trained Somali paramilitary forces, commonly referred to as “Danab” carried out counter terrorism operations under the cover of US air power in the volatile Lower Shabelle province of Somalia.
The Somali paramilitary militia (Danab) carried out groups ops targeting outlining villages near the Al Shabaab controlled district of Awdheegle, which has been a Militant stronghold for a number of years.
During the ground ops, scores of militants where reportedly killed, while a large catche of weapons and logistical equipment was seized according to Paramilitary commander Ismacil Cabdimalik Macaalin, who spoke to the local press.
[…]
On a similar note, Ismacil revealed they received aerial support from there American counterparts, which led to the US carrying out a series of strikes targeting the village of Daarusalam. At least 10 suspected Al Shabaab militants where alleged to have been killed in this particular drone raid, Ismacil reveled.”
It later tweeted: “Three #US soldiers where wounded when there Military convoy struck a Roadside Bomb in the village of #Daarusalam in the Lower Shabelle province of #Somalia. The wounded Americans where rushed to the nearby #US drone base (Balidogle) for medical treatment.”
Somali Memo, like Halgan Media close to Al Shabaab, said seven Somali soldiers had been killed and one American wounded.
The AFRICOM press release responded to the claims: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted one (1) airstrike targeting al-Shabaab terrorists after they attacked partner forces from a building in the vicinity of Dar as Salam, Somalia, Aug. 24.
When this airstrike occurred, U.S. forces were in the vicinity in order to advise and assist Somali partner forces. Al-Shabaab falsely claimed U.S. casualties. No U.S. forces were injured or killed during the attack.
Initial assessments indicate that the airstrike killed six (6) terrorists and wounded three (3) terrorists.
We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrikes.”
Garowe reported: “Gen. Ismail Abdimalik, the Danab’s 60th unit commander, told SNA Radio that the army waged an operation at Daru-Salam area in Lower Shebelle killing several militants among them a “top Al-Shabaab operative” who is believed to be a trainer and an explosives expert.”
The local time of the incident is unknown.
Summary
Sources (10) [ collapse]
Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]
Geolocation notes
Reports of the incident mention the vicinity of Darusalaam (دار السلام), for which the generic coordinates are: 1.92135, 44.78777. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.
US Forces Assessment:
Original strike reports
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted one (1) airstrike targeting al-Shabaab terrorists after they attacked partner forces from a building in the vicinity of Dar as Salam, Somalia, Aug. 24.
"Al-Shabaab is a dangerous enemy," said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford Gering, deputy director for operations, U.S. Africa Command. "It is a danger to Africa and the United States. “We will continue to place pressure on the network and impact their ability to plan and execute these acts."
Al-Shabaab leadership has expressed its primary desire is to conduct attacks not just in East Africa, but against Americans and U.S. interests across the globe. International efforts and the persistent pressure placed on al-Shabaab helps contain the group's broader ambitions and desire to conduct attacks beyond Somali borders.
When this airstrike occurred, U.S. forces were in the vicinity in order to advise and assist Somali partner forces. Al-Shabaab falsely claimed U.S. casualties. No U.S. forces were injured or killed during the attack.
"Al-Shabaab routinely resorts to the tradecraft of terror, crime, and propaganda to intimidate and seek control of the local populace," said Col. Chris Karns, director of public affairs, U.S. Africa Command. "Persistent pressure against the al-Shabaab damages their narrative, network, and plans for broader destruction and violence."
Initial assessments indicate that the airstrike killed six (6) terrorists and wounded three (3) terrorists.
We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrikes.
As part of an international effort, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. interagency partners continue to help support Somali-led efforts to counter and contain dangerous terrorist organizations from exporting violence more broadly.