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

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
January 18, 2022
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

May 17, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM225

LOCATION

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

A suspected US drone carried out double airstrikes in Somalia’s Middle Juba region, killing 20 al Shabaab fighters in total, Mareeg Media reported. According to Mareeg: “A suspected US drone has carried out double air strikes targeting towns held by al Qaeda linked Al Shabaab in south of Somalia. The strikes were conducted in Bu’ale and

Summary

First published
May 17, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
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
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
10
View Incident

Incident date

December 16, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM260

LOCATION

Dujuuma, Middle Juba, Somalia

Publicly declaring its 60th strike of the year, AFRICOM said that it had targeted and killed an alleged al Shabaab terrorist According to a press release issued on the same date, “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab terrorist in the vicinity of Dujuuma, Somalia,

Summary

First published
December 16, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

March 7, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM288

LOCATION

غندرشي, Gandarshe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Four Al Shabaab members were allegedly killed in a US airstrike near Gandarshe, AFRICOM declared. The official press release asserted: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab camp in vicinity of Gandarshe, Somalia, Mar. 7. The command’s initial assessment concluded this airstrike killed four (4) terrorists. We

Summary

First published
March 7, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
4
View Incident

Incident date

July 9, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM310

LOCATION

Vicinity of Hantiwadaag, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

The Somali government and US Africa Command declared the first US action in 53 days, reporting an airstrike on an al Shabaab checkpoint in the vicinity of Hantiwadaag, in Lower Shabelle. One alleged militant was reported killed. Declaring the attack, Somalia’s Ministry of Information said the strike had taken place in the afternoon. “The FGS,

Summary

First published
July 9, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

July 25, 2021

Incident Code

USSOM340

LOCATION

Between Qaycad town and Xarardheere district, Mudug, Somalia

The US conducted its second airstrike within four days against Al Shabab fighters in the Qay’ad area between Qaycad town and Xarardheere district on July 23, 2021 at 10:21AM. According to Morad News, the US airstrike was in support of Somali forces involved in fighting with Al Shabab fighters as they were trying to capture

Summary

First published
July 23, 2021
Last updated
March 4, 2022
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

Incident date

January 29, 2023

Incident Code

USSOM370

LOCATION

between Tawakal and Garasjered, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

136 al-Shabaab fighters were killed and up to 98 others were injured in an operation carried out by the Somali government and international partners between Tawakal and Garasjered in Lower Shabelle region on January 29, 2023. BBC News quoted the Somali government who said that 136 al-Shabaab fighters, including top commanders, were killed in a

Summary

First published
January 29, 2023
Last updated
May 25, 2023
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Ground operation
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
Geolocation
Village
Belligerents reported killed
136
Belligerents reported injured
90–98
View Incident

Incident date

August 26, 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

First published
August 26, 2023
Last updated
September 12, 2023
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
13
View Incident

Incident date

October 23, 2011

Incident Code

USSOM018

LOCATION

Kismayo, Lower Juba, Somalia

At least one al Shabaab militant was reportedly killed as Shabaab positions in Kismayo, Jubaland, were subject to aerial shelling, international and local media reported. There was disagreement about whether the US, France or Kenya were to blame A local resident told Reuters: “A jet bombarded an al Shabaab base near the port. It dropped

Summary

First published
October 23, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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, French Military, Kenyan Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

June 21, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM058

LOCATION

South-central, Bay, Somalia

The US conducted “a self-defence strike against al Shabaab, killing three” in southern Somalia, describing the action as having “provided defensive fires to protect U.S. troops from imminent threats posed by the terrorist group al-Shabaab.” A statement from US Africa Command (Africom) issued at the time said “the operation was conducted after it was assessed

Summary

First published
June 21, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
3
View Incident

Incident date

November 9, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM098

LOCATION

Buulo Fuulay, Bay, Somalia

AFRICOM reported on the same day it had “conducted an airstrike in Somalia against al-Shabaab on Thur., Nov. 9 at approximately 3 p.m. local Somalia time”. It added that the “operation occurred in the Bay Region of Somalia, about 100 miles west of the capital, Mogadishu”. AFRICOM made no mention of civilian harm. However, it stated that

Summary

First published
November 9, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

June 2, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM131

LOCATION

Galgala mountains, 26 miles southwest of Bosaso, Bari, Somalia

On June 4th 2018, AFRICOM reported that it had “conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants approximately 26 miles southwest of Bosasso, Somalia, on June 2”. It added: “We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.” However, AFRICOM claimed that the airstrike killed “twenty-seven (27) terrorists.” As Voice of America noted, “Saturday’s airstrike

Summary

First published
June 2, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
27
View Incident

Incident date

January 6, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM177

LOCATION

Vicinity of Deerow Sanle, Bay, Somalia

AFRICOM reported on the same day that it had carried out an airstrike targeting al Shabaab in the vicinity of Dheerow Sanle in the Lower Shabelle region of Somalia. According to AFRICOM “no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.” The strike “killed six (6) militants and destroyed one vehicle.” In a subsequent FOIA response

Summary

First published
January 6, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
6
View Incident

Incident date

April 26, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM216

LOCATION

Timirshe, Bari, Somalia

The US military carried out an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia and possibly also al Shabaab in the vicinity  of Timirshe, in the Golis Mountains. According to a press release from US Africa Command issued the following day, three fighters from the terrorist group were killed, with AFRICOM currently assessing that no civilians had been harmed in

Summary

First published
April 26, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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 targets
Al-Shabaab, ISIS - Somalia
Belligerents reported killed
2–3
View Incident

Incident date

December 15, 2018

Incident Code

SOM121a

LOCATION

غندرشي, Gandarshe, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

AFRICOM publicly reported four strikes on the same area on the same day – asserting that it had killed 34 al Shabaab militants in total in the vicinity of Gandarshe.  Another two strikes took place on December 16th, it said – killing another 28 militants. “All six airstrikes were conducted in close coordination with the

Summary

First published
December 15, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
26
View Incident

Incident date

March 22, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM210

LOCATION

Bu'aale, Middle Juba, Somalia

A reported precision airstrike by an unidentified aircraft at Buaale, Middle Juba was said to have killed up to 50 fighters with local Al Qaeda affiliate al Shabaab – along with a named senior leader. The event was first reported by Kenyan media – though reports did not identify which nation had conducted the alleged

Summary

First published
March 22, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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, Kenyan Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
40–50
Belligerents reported injured
80–100
View Incident

Incident date

January 19, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM268

LOCATION

Near Bangeeni, Lower Juba, Somalia

A US airstrike was called in to support a Somali forces unit under attack from al Shabaab, AFRICOM reported the next day. According to the official press release, “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists who engaged Somali National Army Danab Unit near Bangeeni, Somalia,

Summary

First published
January 19, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
3
View Incident

Incident date

March 15, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM296

LOCATION

Vicinity of Janaale, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Several days after the events, US Africa Command press released that it had conducted five airstrikes in the vicinity of Janaale during March 16th-17th. Somali state media and government reported the same strikes but said they took place on March 15th-16th. AFRICOM said the actions were in support of ground operations by Somalia forces, while noting

Summary

First published
March 15, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
3
View Incident

Incident date

September 20, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM319-C

LOCATION

Moyiloow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Eight civilians were allegedly killed in a joint US/Somali military operation near Tortorrow. Halgan Media said: “US trained Somali Paramilitary Forces (Danab) executed 8 civilians inside a Mosque during an overnight raid targeting the village of Moyiloow in the Lower Shabelle province of Somalia. All the victims where executed at close range. Two of them

Summary

First published
September 20, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
8
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
8
View Incident

Incident date

August 9, 2022

Incident Code

USSOM349

LOCATION

near Beledweyne, Hiiraan, Somalia

Four Al-Shabaab members were killed by three declared US airstrikes near Beledweyne on August 9, 2022. Somalia state media was the first to report on August 9th that “at the request of Somali Government, #US launched a strike in support of Somali National Army forces conducting counterterrorism operations in #Hiran region. There were no civilians

Summary

First published
August 9, 2022
Last updated
October 27, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Known belligerent
US Forces
Geolocation
City
Belligerents reported killed
4
View Incident

Incident date

March 3, 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

First published
March 3, 2023
Last updated
May 22, 2023
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Ground operation
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Suspected belligerents
Somali Military Forces, US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Geolocation
Village
Belligerents reported killed
13
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2024

Incident Code

USSOM414

LOCATION

35 km northeast of Kismayo, Lower Juba, Somalia

On January 21st, 2024, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted a drone strike against the Al-Shabaab militant group 35 kilometers northeast of the city of Kismayo in the Lower Juba region of Somalia, reportedly killing three militants. To date, there have been no reports of civilian casualties in connection to the strike. Two days later, on

Summary

First published
January 21, 2024
Last updated
April 19, 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

December 29, 2014

Incident Code

USSOM033

LOCATION

سااكوو, Saakow, Middle Juba, Somalia

Up to three senior members of al Shabaab were killed by a US military drone in Saakow, Middle Juba, international media reported. There were no known reports of associated civilian harm. The US military said that an airstrike had targeted a “senior leader” of the al Shabaab militant group. Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency later

Summary

First published
December 29, 2014
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
2–3
View Incident

Incident date

July 2, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM074

LOCATION

حرمك, Kunya Barrow, Middle Juba, Somalia

A US airstrike in the Lower Shabelle region targeting al Shabaab insurgents killed one member of the terror group, according to AFRICOM. The victim may have been the leader of the group’s intelligence wing, Andullahi Haji Daud. There are currently no known associated reports of civilian harm. The strike hit in the south of the

Summary

First published
July 2, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

December 15, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM110

LOCATION

30 miles northwest of Kismayo, IVO Qudus, Lower Juba, Somalia

On December 18th 2017, AFRICOM reported that it had “conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab militants in the early evening hours on Friday, Dec. 15, approximately 30 miles northwest of Kismayo”. It added that “we assess no civilians were killed in the strike.” However, AFRICOM claimed that the strike had killed “eight (8) terrorists” and destroyed “one

Summary

First published
December 15, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
5–8
View Incident

Incident date

September 21, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM146

LOCATION

50 km northwest of Kismayo, Lower Juba, Somalia

US forces carried out a ‘self-defence strike’ against al Shabaab on September 21st approximately 50 km northwest of Kismayo and killing 18 al Shabaab members, according to a press release from US Africa Command. According to AFRICOM “The U.S. airstrike was conducted against militants after U.S. and partner forces came under attack. We currently assess

Summary

First published
September 21, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
18–20
View Incident

Incident date

February 8, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM192

LOCATION

Road between Araare and Kobon, Lower Juba, Somalia

US Africa Command reported that the previous day, it had carried an airstrike in the vicinity of Kobon, near the city of Kismayo. AFRICOM added that “at this time, it was assessed no civilians were injured or killed in either airstrike.” AFRICOM did not specify the number of belligerents killed, although AP reported that eight

Summary

First published
February 8, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
8–32
View Incident

Incident date

June 4, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM231

LOCATION

Golis Mountains, Noogal, Somalia

The US military carried out an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia in the Golis Mountains, according to a press release the following day by US Africa Command. According to AFRICOM, the strike killed six ISIS-Somalia fighters, and was currently assessed as having caused no civilian harm. “The Golis Mountains are a known area for terrorist camps and

Summary

First published
June 4, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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
ISIS - Somalia
Belligerents reported killed
6
View Incident

Incident date

January 23, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM184

LOCATION

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

AFRICOM reported that the previous day it had “conducted two (2) airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab militants near Jilib, Middle Juba Region, Somalia, on January 23, 2019.” It also asserted that “at this time we assess no civilians were injured or killed in these airstrikes.” AFRICOM gave no figures on the number of belligerents killed. Associated Press

Summary

First published
January 23, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

October 20, 2019

Incident Code

SOM170a

LOCATION

Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

Local media reported a pair of alleged international airstrikes targeting the al Shabaab held towns of Jilib and Jamaame. Unusually the culprit was alleged to be France according to vague ‘sources’. However reporting remains poor. According to Mareeg News, “A suspected French military fighter jet has carried out airstrikes against al Shabab, an al Qaeda

Summary

First published
October 20, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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, US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
40–50
View Incident