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

May 17, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM224

LOCATION

Bu'aale, 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 belligerents
US Forces, US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
10
View Incident

Incident date

August 20, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM244

LOCATION

Kunya Barrow, Middle Juba, Somalia

The United States reported conducting an airstrike against al Shabaab in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow on August 20th, which it asserted had “killed one (1) terrorist.” According to a press release issued on the same day, “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab terrorist

Summary

First published
August 20, 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

July 3, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM237-C

LOCATION

Iskushuban or Mareero, Bari, Somalia

According to a local source, heavy fighting near the port of Bari in Puntland killed two people and injured five others, including civilians. AFRICOM later declared that “no U.S. military strike took place on the alleged date or location.” Radio Shabelle initially said that an airstrike by an unknown party had contributed to the violence

Summary

First published
July 3, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1–5
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, US Forces
Suspected target
Other
Belligerents reported killed
0–2
Belligerents reported injured
1–5
View Incident

Incident date

January 26, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM271

LOCATION

Near Jamaame, Lower Juba, Somalia

During several days of fighting in Middle Juba, US forces conducted an airstrike on January 26th which targeted “an al-Shabaab compound in the vicinity of Jamaame,” according to US Africa Command officials. AFRICOM initially reported the event on February 3rd in a press release though offered no precise date, noting that “In coordination with the Federal

Summary

First published
January 26, 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
View Incident

Incident date

April 3, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM301

LOCATION

Bush Madina, Bay, Somalia

Five Al Shabaab members were reportedly killed by a US strike 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 3. The command’s initial assessment concluded this airstrike killed five (5)

Summary

First published
April 3, 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
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Belligerents reported killed
5
View Incident

Incident date

December 11, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM323

LOCATION

Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

Two US airstrikes reportedly killed between eight and ten Al Shabaab fighters near Jilib. Garowe reported: “Amid plans to withdraw from Somalia, the US Africa Command conducted two airstrikes on Thursday in the Horn of Africa nation, killing at least eight Al-Shabaab commanders linked to the manufacturing of explosives besides coordinating attacks in the country.”

Summary

First published
December 10, 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
8–10
Belligerents reported injured
2
View Incident

Incident date

October 23, 2022

Incident Code

USSOM354

LOCATION

near Buulobarde, Hiiraan, Somalia

At least two al-Shabaab militants were killed by a declared US airstrike near Buulobarde, Somalia on October 23, 2022. AFRICOM released a statement that “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists who were attacking Somali National Army forces near Buulobarde, Somalia, about 218 km north-northwest

Summary

First published
October 23, 2022
Last updated
February 13, 2023
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Ground operation
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
2–100
View Incident

Incident date

June 1, 2023

Incident Code

USSOM387

LOCATION

in the vicinity of Wayanta, Lower Juba, Somalia

Three al-Shabaab fighters were allegedly killed by declared US airstrikes in the vicinity of Wayanta, Somalia on June 1. There have been no reports of civilian harm at this time. AFRICOM released a statement that “at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of the Somali National Army engagements against al

Summary

First published
June 1, 2023
Last updated
June 16, 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
3
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2024

Incident Code

USSOM420

LOCATION

Jilib Marka, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

On the 24th of February, 2024, the Federal Government of Somalia released a statement claiming that attacks by Somali government forces and international partner forces, conducted early in the morning of the same day, had killed 30 Al-Shabaab militants at a meeting point in the village of Jilib Marka, in the Lower Shabelle region of

Summary

First published
February 24, 2024
Last updated
April 23, 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, Somali Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
30
View Incident

Incident date

January 9, 2007

Incident Code

USSOM003-C

LOCATION

Xayo, Garer, Bankajirow and Badmadow, Ras Kambooni, Lower Juba, Somalia

Several people, possibly civilians, were left wounded as US airstrikes hit four towns near Ras Kamboni, including a terrorist training camp on Badmadow island, local and international media reported. Sources added that up to ten al Qaeda members were also killed. The strikes came just two days after the US-launched AC-130 attack in Ras Kamboni,

Summary

First published
January 9, 2007
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
4–5
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
Suspected belligerent
Ethiopian Military Forces
Known target
Al Qaeda in East Africa
Belligerents reported killed
5–10
Belligerents reported injured
4–5
View Incident

Incident date

July 15, 2015

Incident Code

USSOM039

LOCATION

Baardheere, Gedo, Somalia

A US drone strike allegedly killed “a senior commander and other members” of al Shabaab. Two or three people were reportedly killed by the drones – with an artillery barrage from Kenyan troops followed up the air attack according to the Los Angeles Times, and reportedly killing 50 ‘militants’. This was the first of six

Summary

First published
July 15, 2015
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Artillery
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerents
US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
2–30
View Incident

Incident date

July 20, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM079

LOCATION

Gaduud, Lower Juba, Somalia

On November 17th 2017, US Africa Command sent the Bureau of Investigative Journalism a list of previously unreported strikes, which included this one. An AFRICOM spokesperson explained that their goal “is to be as transparent as possible while taking into account operational security, force protection and diplomatic sensitivities.” It therefore did not proactively release information

Summary

First published
July 20, 2017
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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

January 18, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM115-C

LOCATION

Jameeco Jilyaale near Beled ul Amin, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

The US confirmed it had accompanied Somali troops in a mission that rescued 30 to 32 boys from an al Shabaab indoctrination centre in the Lower Shabelle region. However, during the rescue attempt, fire reportedly from Somali forces reportedly killed four or five children, and a teacher. A later US government FOIA response indicated that

Summary

First published
January 18, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian infrastructure
School
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
4 – 6
(4–5 children1 man)
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
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
4–5
Belligerents reported injured
6
View Incident

Incident date

October 14, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM152

LOCATION

Araara, Lower Juba, Somalia

Four al Shabaab fighters were killed as the US carried out a strike in Somalia in the vicinity of Araara, Lower Juba region, after partner forces came under attack from small arms fire, a US Africa Command press release stated. The press release called it a “collective self-defense airstrike.” No US service members were apparently

Summary

First published
October 14, 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
4
View Incident

Incident date

February 24, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM199

LOCATION

23 miles east of Belet Weyne, Hiiraan, Somalia

A confirmed US action, striking approximately 23 miles east of Beledweyne in the Hiran Region, killed 35 militants while no civilians were harmed, an AFRICOM statement asserted the next day. The airstrike targeted armed al Shabaab militants “as they were transitioning between locations in a rural area”, the US command said. Marine Corps Maj. Gen.

Summary

First published
February 24, 2019
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
35
View Incident

Incident date

October 30, 2011

Incident Code

SOM012e

LOCATION

Jilib, Somalia

October 30 2011 ♦ 5-15 killed ♦ 5 civilians reported killed, including 3 children ♦ 45-47 reported wounded A refugee camp for those displaced by the severe drought was hit in a Kenyan air strike. Aid agency Medecin Sans Frontieres (MSF) reported the strike hit at around 1.30pm. The agency’s employees witnessed the strike on

Summary

First published
October 30, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Airwars civilian harm grading
Fair
Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

September 24, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM248

LOCATION

Near Ugungi, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

In an incident not originally declared publicly, AFRICOM officials later confirmed to Airwars that they had conducted a strike against al Shabaab in the lower Shabelle – for which they did not report either any militant or any civilian harm. Public Affairs Current Operations Branch Chief, Desiree Frame, told Airwars by email dated October 4th

Summary

First published
September 24, 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
View Incident

Incident date

November 3, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM255

LOCATION

Jilib or between Jilib and Xaramka, Middle Juba, Somalia

A senior al Shabaab communications official was reported killed, either in an air or ground operation. The official was named by all sources as Ibrahim Abu Hamza, reportedly a head of communications for the terror group. However there was conflicted reporting about both how he died – and at whose hands. According to Mareeg News,

Summary

First published
November 3, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
2–4
View Incident

Incident date

February 28, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM283-C

LOCATION

حرمك, Kunya Barrow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Two airstrikes were declared the same day by US Africa Command, in partnership with the Somali government, which were said to have targeted al Shabaab in the vicinity of Kunya Barrow. According to two pro Shabaab sources, at least one of the strikes targeted Kunya Barrow itself – alleging that a 70 year old woman

Summary

First published
February 28, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
2
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
0–4
Belligerents reported injured
2–3
View Incident

Incident date

May 13, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM308-C

LOCATION

Araboow, Middle Juba, Somalia

Between one or two civilians were allegedly injured in US or Kenyan airstrike on Araboow. Halgan Media reported: “A series of blasts rocked a rural town of Araboow overnight in Somalia’s Middle Jubba province. The blasts said to be a result of a barrage of missiles fired down on the Militant controlled town. Sources that

Summary

First published
May 13, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Civilians reported injured
1–2
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.
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

January 29, 2021

Incident Code

USSOM333

LOCATION

Ma'moodow, Bakool, Somalia

According to Somali official and media sources, an airstrike targeted a group of al Shabaab fighters in the vicinity of Ma’moodow town in Bakool province on January 29th. According to an official statement from the Security Ministry of South West State, the attack was conducted by “friends of Somalia.” Following requests for clarification, AFRICOM publicly

Summary

First published
January 29, 2021
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
Amisom Military Forces, US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
2–4
View Incident

Incident date

January 9, 2023

Incident Code

USSOM365

LOCATION

Hawadley, Middle Shabelle, Somalia

Up to 61 al-Shabaab militants were killed and dozens of others were wounded by alleged US drone strikes/Somali army operations near Hawadlay on January 9, 2022. Anadolu Agency reported that according to the Somali Information Ministry, at least 61 al-Shabaab terrorists were killed and dozens others were wounded by an operation carried out by the

Summary

First published
January 9, 2023
Last updated
May 25, 2023
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike, Ground operation
Civilian infrastructure
Agriculture
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
60–61
Belligerents reported injured
12–24
View Incident

Incident date

August 15, 2023

Incident Code

USSOM397

LOCATION

in a remote area near Cali Heele, Galguduud, Somalia

Five al-Shabaab militants were reportedly killed by declared US airstrikes near Cali Heele in the Galgaduud region on August 15, 2023 AFRICOM released a statement that “At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike in a remote area near Cali Heele, approximately 244 kilometers North East

Summary

First published
August 15, 2023
Last updated
September 6, 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
5
View Incident

Incident date

April 6, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM050

LOCATION

جيليب, Al Shabaab police station and vicinity in Jillib, Middle Juba, Somalia

The US carried airstrikes in self-defence in Jillib, Middle Juba, as reported by local media. According to one local tweet, the attack took place at night in Jilib. Mogadishu News claimed that eight militants were killed when an al Shabaab police station was struck – noting “civilian houses razed by the strikes.” UPDATE: Drone strikes

Summary

First published
April 6, 2016
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
8
View Incident

Incident date

September 12, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM092

LOCATION

حرمك, Kunya Barrow, Middle Juba, Somalia

The US carried out an air strike on September 13th, killing six al Shabaab members, according to a press release from US Africa Command. The strike took place at approximately 0215 local time (1115 GMT), hitting an area in southern Somalia about 260km south of the capital, AFRICOM said. The original press release said three

Summary

First published
September 12, 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
6
View Incident

Incident date

April 16, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM126

LOCATION

ليغو, Leego, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

US forces carried out a strike against al Shabaab militants on April 16th near Leego, an Africa Command spokesperson told the Bureau of Investigative Journalism in early May. AFRICOM made no mention of civilian harm. An AFRICOM spokespersons noted that “No terrorists were killed and no equipment was destroyed in this strike.” Leego is described

Summary

First published
April 16, 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
View Incident

Incident date

July 14, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM238

LOCATION

Lower Shabelle, Somalia

US air support was potentially involved in an operation to retake areas of the Lower Shabelle region which killed 15 al Shabaab fighters, Radio Shabelle reported. Colonel Mohamed Abdullahi Arale confirmed to state media that the Somali National Army had retaken Yaaqbari Weyne, MadaxMarodi and Lego villages. Colonel Arale reportedly said that his troops had

Summary

First published
July 14, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
Known belligerent
Somali Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
15
View Incident

Incident date

December 30, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM175

LOCATION

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

A joint action by Somali troops and US Special Forces killed 30 al Shabaab militants including two foreign fighters, in the town of Jilib, according to a Somali National Army commander. Xinhua reported the following: “The Somali National Army (SNA) on Sunday killed 30 al-Shabab militants, including two foreign nationals, in the southern town of

Summary

First published
December 30, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
Somali Military Forces
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
30
View Incident

Incident date

February 23, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM198-C

LOCATION

Qoryoley near Janaale, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

An adult woman was reported killed by an alleged US attack on Qoryole, according to the Turkish news organisation TRT – an event it dated to before midnight on February 23rd 2019. Despite conducting four strikes in the near region that day. AFRICOM later insisted that “no U.S. military strike took place at the alleged

Summary

First published
February 23, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 woman)
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 belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
1 named
View Incident

Incident date

February 1, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM273a

LOCATION

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

In an event not publicly disclosed at the time, US Africa Command conducted a strike in the vicinity of Jilib on February 1st, which it later said “did not result in any terrorist deaths, injuries or damage to equipment and infrastructure. Nor did we assess any civilians were killed or injured.” The strike came to light, along

Summary

First published
February 1, 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
View Incident