US Forces in Somalia

US Forces in Somalia

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

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Incident Code

USSOM149-C

Incident date

October 4, 2018

Location

Ceel Gadde, El Adde, Gedo, Somalia

Geolocation

3.035991, 41.867834 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One woman and several children were wounded by an alleged US drone strike in El Adde town, Gedo, as up to ten al Shabaab members were targeted and killed, local media reported.

Somali media site Mareeg reported that a US drone strike had injured women and children. Anonymous sources said the victims had been been taken to hospital for medical treatment.

The strike was reported to have hit small residential areas near or within El Adde town in Somalia’s Gedo region, with Mareeg saying this caused the destruction of houses and shops. It also reported that a Somali military aligned radio station had said the strike had killed ten al Shabaab fighters including a senior al Shabaab commander.

Al Shabaab denied that their fighters had been targeted, reportedly releasing photos they said showed the area hit in the strike.

According to Hiiram, “SNA Radio, Somali military mouthpiece said the strike hit group’s militants, killing at least 10 militants including a senior Al-Shabaab commander.”

While the date of the strike was not clear, it was first reported on October 4th. The Bureau of Investigative Journalism reached out to US Africa Command, the US military body responsible for activities in Somalia. It said that the last strike it had carried out was on October 1st. However, the CIA also conducted its own non-disclosable air campaign in Somalia at the time.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–5
  • 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 attackers
    US Forces, Unknown
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    10

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (5) [ collapse]

  • Aftermath of the alleged US drone strike in El Adde town, Gedo region, October 4th, 2018 (via Mareeg)
  • Aftermath of the alleged US drone strike in El Adde town, Gedo region, October 4th, 2018 (via Mareeg)
  • Aftermath of the alleged US drone strike in El Adde town, Gedo region, October 4th, 2018 (via Mareeg)
  • Aftermath of the alleged US drone strike in El Adde town, Gedo region, October 4th, 2018 (via Mareeg)
  • Aftermath of the alleged US drone strike in El Adde town, Gedo region, October 4th, 2018 (via Mareeg)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike targeted houses and shops in the town of El Adde (or Ceel Gadde). The coordinates for the centre (likely the commercial area) of El Adde are: 3.035991, 41.867834. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Unknown Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Unknown
  • Unknown position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Single source claim
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Civilians reported injured
    3–5
  • 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 attackers
    US Forces, Unknown
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    10

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM207

Incident date

March 13, 2019

Location

Malayle, between Bar Sanguni and Jamame, Lower Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

-0.00182, 42.66156 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

US Africa Command stated in a press release issued the following day that it carried out an airstrike in the vicinity of Malayle, Lower Juba region on March 13th 2019.

AFRICOM stated unusually that it had carried out “a collective self-defense airstrike,” explaining that “Somali National Security Forces (SNSF) were conducting a presence patrol in the region in order to maintain pressure on the al-Shabaab network.  During the mission, militants engaged the SNSF patrol with small arms fire.” It added that “U.S. service members were not present on the ground during the operation.”

AFRICOM also asserted that it “currently assesses this airstrike killed three militants.” And it said that “at this time, it is assessed no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.”

In what appears to be a reference to this event, Xinhua cited local Somali defence officials: “Abdi Nur Ibrahim, Jubaland spokesman for security told journalists that an offensive was carried out by SNA and Jubaland forces along with foreign partners in an area between Bar Sanguni and Jamame in Somalia’s southern Lower Juba region. Local residents said that the two warring sides exchanged huge gunfire. ‘Heavily armed forces attacked al-Shabab militants in the town, both engaged fierce fighting,’ Dubad Ga’al, a resident told Xinhua by phone.”

In an article citing this and two previous declared US strikes, Voice of America cited AFRICOM’s Maj. Gen. Marcus Hicks as saying: “Somali forces and their international partners have gained ground ‘particularly out of Kismayo in the south,’ which just a few years ago was considered the epicenter of the al-Shabab terror group, according to the U.S. general.  ‘We’ve cleared about 45 kilometers up the Lower Juba River Valley, established combat outposts that have withheld multiple attacks, and as we — again, ‘we’ as the Somalis and our AMISOM [African Union Mission in Somalia] partners — make contact with al-Shabab, the enemy is presenting itself in such a way that it can be struck as part of this broader counterinsurgency effort,’ Hicks told VOA.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike took place in the vicinity of the village Malayle, for which the coordinates are: -0.00182, 42.66156. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces

"U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike in the vicinity of Malayle, Lower Juba Region, Somalia, on March 13, 2019, in support of the Federal Government of Somalia's continued efforts to degrade al-Shabaab.

Somali National Security Forces (SNSF) were conducting a presence patrol in the region in order to maintain pressure on the al-Shabaab network. During the mission, militants engaged the SNSF patrol with small arms fire."

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    0
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    3

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM081

Incident date

July 23, 2017

Location

Galcayo, Mudug, Somalia

Geolocation

6.771437, 47.42839 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A suspected al Shabaab associate who once lived in the US was arrested during a mission in Somalia, a US Africa Command spokesperson told AP. It was a Somali-led mission with “limited tactical advisory support” from the US, spokesperson Jennifer Dyrcz said.

The suspect, identified as Abdirizak Tahlil, was accused of “facilitating the use of improvised explosive devices in Somalia” and was being held by the Somali government, Dyrcz added. He had reportedly been granted status as a lawful US permanent resident and had lived in the country between 2006 and 2009.

Somalia Newsroom said it was reportedly a “joint” operation between Somali intelligence agents and Puntland and Galmudug forces, with tactical advisory support from the US.

Four other al Shabaab suspects were arrested in Galcayo, Somalia Newsroom added. However it noted that some local reports were claiming that Abdirizak’s brother – a Galmudug politician – alongside a Galmandug security official, were insisting Abdirizak Tahlil was innocent, blaming Puntland forces and the US for his arrest. Tensions had increased between the two regions following a US strike in September 2016 which killed up to 22 members of local friendly  Galmudug forces. The region’s officials claimed that Puntland had given incorrect information to the US, causing the strike.

Somalia Newsroom noted that Abdirizak was however sentenced to death by a Puntland military court in 2013 for possession of explosive material, but was allegedly released after a new regional president agreed to a prisoner swap.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Suspected attackers
    US Forces, Somali Military Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Galcayo/Galkayo, for which the coordinates are: 6.771437, 47.42839.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Somali Military Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Somali Military Forces
  • Somali Military Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Suspected attackers
    US Forces, Somali Military Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM175

Incident date

December 30, 2018

Location

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

0.494527, 42.777868 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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 Jilib, an official said.. Ali Mohamad Bag Madow, SNA commander for section 43, told journalists the militants were killed in a joint offensive by Somali national forces and the U.S. Africa Command (Africom) near a training camp used by the al-Qaeda-linked militants in Jilib, in Middle Jubba, southern Somalia.

‘Our special forces carried out a joint operation with U.S. Africa Command, killing 30 al-Shabab militants among them two foreigners,’ Madow said. The two foreign militants killed were identified as Aways Abuhamza of Syria and Hasn Al-qayadi Abu Yahya from Libya.

Residents in nearby towns said they heard huge blasts. ‘We heard blasts in Jilib town but we do not have additional details on the final outcome,’ Abdirazak Gedi, a local resident, told Xinhua.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Somali Military Forces
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    30

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike took place in the town Jilib (جيليب), for which the coordinates are: 0.494527, 42.777868. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Somali Military Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Somali Military Forces
  • Somali Military Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

US Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    Somali Military Forces
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    30

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM265

Incident date

January 7, 2020

Location

Lafta Anole neighborhood, Lower Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

0.379318, 42.0136 Note: The accuracy of this location is to District level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

A Somali special forces military action backed by “international partners” killed 35 al Shabaab fighters in the vicinity of Lafta Anole neighborhood in Lower Juba, according to local and international media reports.

Xinhua carried the most detailed report: “Hassan Mohamad Aden, commander of the Danab Forces in Jubbaland State, said a joint operation was conducted by Somali army and international partners in Lafta Anole neighborhood in Lower Juba. ‘Following a tip of from the residents, our forces launched an attack in the area killing 35 al-Shabab militants including senior members,’ Aden said.

“Residents told Xinhua there was heavy gunfire that caused panic in the area. ‘Al-Shabab extremists in the village were attacked by government forces,’ said Safi Bilan, a resident. ‘There was also airstrike which caused many casualties.'”

Citing a Somali military official, Garowe said that US troops had participated in the attack: “Tuesday’s operation was also backed by international partners among them the elite US troops, who have been active in the fight against Al-Shabaab, the official said.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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
  • Known attacker
    Somali Military Forces
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    35

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the Lafta Anole neighbourhood within the Lower Juba district in Southern Somalia. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Somali Military Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Somali Military Forces
  • Somali Military Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

US Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • 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
  • Known attacker
    Somali Military Forces
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    35

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM279a

Incident date

February 21, 2020

Location

سااكوو, Saakow, Middle Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

1.637795, 42.452829 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Neighbourhood/area level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

In an event not publicly disclosed at the time, US Africa Command conducted a strike in the vicinity of Saakow on February 21st, 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 with two others, when Voice of America said in early March that it had been notified of 25 airstrikes to date in Somalia in 2020 – while official records showed only 23 declared strikes. In response to a query from Airwars, an official noted by email:

“The following strikes are missing from your list up to March 10, 2020:

February 1–IVO Jilib

Feb 3–IVO Jilib

Feb 21–IVO Saakow

The three strikes that occurred Feb. 1, 3, and 21 did not result in any terrorist deaths, injuries or damage to equipment and infrastructure. Nor did we assess any civilians were killed or injured. All three strikes were against the al-Shabaab violent extremist organization, to include terrorists or infrastructure. As a matter of policy, we do not discuss the specifics on targeting.”

No additional information is presently known about this event.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a strike on a compound in the vicinity of Saakow (سااكوو) town, for which due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.  The generic coordinates for Saakow are: 1.637795, 42.452829

US Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces

[VIA email]
"The following strikes are missing from your list up to March 10, 2020:

        February 1--IVO Jilib

        Feb 3--IVO Jilib

        Feb 21--IVO Saakow

The three strikes that occurred Feb. 1, 3, and 21 did not result in any terrorist deaths, injuries or damage to equipment and infrastructure. Nor did we assess any civilians were killed or injured. All three strikes were against the al-Shabaab violent extremist organization, to include terrorists or infrastructure. As a matter of policy, we do not discuss the specifics on targeting."

Summary

  • 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 attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab

Sources (1) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM315a

Incident date

August 24, 2020

Location

دار السلام, Darusalaam, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

1.92135, 44.78777 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

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

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground), Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    13–17
  • Belligerents reported injured
    4–6

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:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

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.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground), Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    13–17
  • Belligerents reported injured
    4–6

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM347

Incident date

June 3, 2022

Location

Yaaq-Zaluul, Beer Xaani, Somalia

Geolocation

0.218985, 42.177213 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) declared an airstrike in a remote location near Beer Xaani, in the vicinity of Yaaq-Zaluul, in Somalia on June 3rd 2022.  They declared that five Al-Shabaab militants were killed in this attack but that no civilians were injured or killed.

In local reports, this was repeated and there were no allegations of civilian harm in this strike.

AFRICOM released a statement which stated “The command’s initial assessment is that five al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in action and that no civilians were injured or killed given the remote nature of where this enagement occured.”

They mentioned that this strike was in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and it was conducted aganst Al-Shabaab militants after they attacked partner forces.  The Ministry of Information in Somalia also repeated this information in a statement released on Twitter.

Halgan Media reported that US troops and Somalia ground forces were ambushed west of the coastal city of Kismaayo in Somalia’s Lower Jubba privince. They reported that “during the midst of the ambush, US military aircraft believed to be an unmanned aerial vehicle commonly referred to as a drone carried out at an airstrike at the site of the ambush.”

This is the first known US strike since President Biden signed an order on May 16th, deploying hundreds of US troops back into Somalia.

Most of the sources were reporting information from official Somali or US sources.  This could be due to the remote location.  This assessment will be updated as we recieve more information.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    5

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The Somalia Ministry of Information released a statement, declaring AFRICOM's strike on Al-Shabaab militants on June 3rd 2022.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Yaaq-Zaluul, allegedly within the locality of Beer Xaani. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Beer Xani are: 0.218985, 42.177213.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists after they attacked partner forces in a remote location near Beer Xaani, Somalia 3 June 2022. U.S. forces are authorized to conduct strikes in support of designated partner forces.

The command’s initial assessment is that five al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in action and that no civilians were injured or killed given the remote nature of where this engagement occurred.

The Federal Government of Somalia and U.S. Africa Command take great measures to prevent civilian casualties. These efforts contrast with the indiscriminate attacks that al-Shabaab regularly conducts against the civilian population.

The Federal Government of Somalia and the U.S. remain committed to fighting al-Shabaab to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians.

Violent extremist organizations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to the U.S. and regional interests.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    5

Sources (10) [ collapse]