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

February 2, 2015

Incident Code

USSOM036

LOCATION

Diinsoor, Bay, Somalia

According to a Freedom of Information response obtained by journalist Joshua Eaton in  May 2019, this previously unknown US strike took place in Dinsoor, Somalia against an “al-Shabaab Named Objective”. It should be noted however that the last known declared US strike in Dinsoor prior to February 2nd 2015 was on January 31st 2015. There

Summary

First published
February 2, 2015
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

October 20, 2019

Incident Code

SOM170b

LOCATION

Jamaame, 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
French Military, Unknown
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
40–50
View Incident

Incident date

February 19, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM279

LOCATION

Wadajir, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Three Al Shabaab fighters were allegedly killed in a US airstike near Wadajir, according to AFRICOM. The US military’s press release said: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a precision airstrike targeting al-Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Wadajir, Somalia, Feb. 19. The command’s initial assessment concluded this precision airstrike

Summary

First published
February 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
Belligerents reported killed
3
View Incident

Incident date

April 9, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM306

LOCATION

جيليب, Kobon, Lower Juba, Somalia

Ten Al Shabaab members were reportedly killed by a US airstrike near Kobon. AFRICOM stated in its press release: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike against al-Shabaab terrorists who engaged U.S. partner forces, Somali National Army Danab, and Jubaland Security Force, near Kobon, Somalia, Apr.

Summary

First published
April 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
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
10
View Incident

Incident date

January 13, 2021

Incident Code

USSOM329

LOCATION

Buulo Fulaay, Bay, Somalia

A US airstrike allegedly killed one Al Shabaab fighter near Buulo Fulaay. The AFRICOM press release said: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command forces conducted one airstrike in the vicinity of Buulo Fulaay, Somalia Jan. 13, 2021. Initial assessments indicate the strike killed one al-Shabaab personnel and destroyed one compound.

Summary

First published
January 13, 2021
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

November 30, 2022

Incident Code

USSOM361

LOCATION

Ali Foldhere, Middle Shabelle, Somalia

Up to 40 members of al-Shabaab were killed and others were wounded by Somali forces and “international partner” airstrikes or ground operations near the village of Ali Foldhere on November 30, 2022. Shabelle Media Network quoted the Somali government who announced that an operation carried out by the National Army, National Intelligence and Security Agency

Summary

First published
November 30, 2022
Last updated
May 30, 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 belligerents
US Forces, Somali Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Geolocation
Village
Belligerents reported killed
40
Belligerents reported injured
2
View Incident

Incident date

July 13, 2023

Incident Code

KS003

LOCATION

Gherille, Somalia

Five al-Shabaab militants were killed by alleged Kenyan Defense Forces airstrikes on the town of Gherille near the Kenyan-Somalia border on July 13, 2023. A tweet from @CrimeBusterKe reported that the Kenyan Defense Forces killed carried out an airstrike in Gherille which killed five militants in a technical vehicle. The airstrikes occurred in the same

Summary

First published
July 13, 2023
Last updated
August 24, 2023
Strike status
Likely strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Suspected belligerent
Kenyan Defense Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
5
View Incident

Incident date

April 3, 2011

Incident Code

USSOM009

LOCATION

Dhoobley, Gedo, Somalia

At least one militant and as many as “three dozen” were killed in an alleged US-waged airstrike in Dhobley, Jubaland, international and regional media reported. The attack marked the beginning of a concerted campaign in Somalia against al Shabaab by the Obama administration. After a reporting gap of 18 months, US air attacks appear to

Summary

First published
April 3, 2011
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, Ethiopian Military Forces, Kenyan Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
1–36
View Incident

Incident date

March 8, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM046

LOCATION

Awdheegle, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

At least 19 alleged militants were killed in a joint operation between US and Somali forces in the village of Awdhegle. US attack helicopters supported US and Somali Special Forces who attacked an al Shabaab target in southern Somalia, the Pentagon and Somali officials said. The assault took place overnight. The soldiers flew on US

Summary

First published
March 8, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared 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
US Forces
Suspected belligerent
Somali Military Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
19
View Incident

Incident date

March 19, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM122

LOCATION

مبارك, Mubaraak, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

AFRICOM publicly reported that two days earlier, it had “conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab on the morning of March 19 near Mubaarak, Somalia”. The press release made no mention of civilian harm. However, AFRICOM claimed that the airstrike killed “two terrorists”, wounded another “three terrorists” and destroyed “one vehicle”. Voice of America reported the following:

Summary

First published
March 19, 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
2
Belligerents reported injured
3
View Incident

Incident date

November 24, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM162

LOCATION

هرجيسا, Hargeysa Yarey, Middle Juba, Somalia

A strike was said to have killed 15 members of al Shabaab and injured another 30, according to the official Somali National News Agency (SONNA). It was not clear whether US forces carried out the strike from the reporting, but US Africa Command said US forces had not carried out a strike on that day.

Summary

First published
November 24, 2018
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 belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
15
Belligerents reported injured
30
View Incident

Incident date

March 12, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM206

LOCATION

Huley, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

US Africa Command confirmed that it had carried out an airstrike on March 12th 2019 in the vicinity of Huley, Lower Shabelle Region. According to AFRICOM, the airstrike killed two “terrorists”, and “at this time, it is assessed no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.” In September 2019, the TRT World Research Centre

Summary

First published
March 12, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
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, Small arms and light weapons, Unknown
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
2
View Incident

Incident date

November 18, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM156-C

LOCATION

Radio Andalus, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

Airstrikes by an unknown party destroyed part of an al-Andalus radio station in Jilib – a propaganda service run by the terror group al Shabaab. At least one person described as a journalist was reported injured or killed. According to Middle East Monitor, “An air strike; believed to be American, has destroyed the Al-Andalus radio

Summary

First published
November 18, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
Civilians reported injured
1
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, Unknown
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
View Incident

Incident date

December 29, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM261-C

LOCATION

Vicinity of Kunyo Barrow, Somalia

In retaliatory actions against al Al Shabaab for a mass casualty bombing in Mogadishu a day earlier, the United States said that it had conducted three strikes against al Shbaab commanders, killing four people in total.This entry relates to one of two strikes in the vicinity of Kunyo Barrow in Lower Shabelle. Al Shabaab itself

Summary

First published
December 29, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
0 – 2
(1 man)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
1 named
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

March 10, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM290

LOCATION

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

A US airstrike targeted Al Shabaab in Jilib, according to local reporting. Radio Kulmiye said: “Suspected US airstrikes targeted to Al-shabaab compounds in southern Somalia. The attacks destroyed vehicles, camps and killed militants. According to Somali intelligence officials, the airstrikes carried by unidentified military planes targeted Jilib, Sakow and Bu’ale towns of Middle Jubba region,

Summary

First published
March 10, 2020
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, Somali Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported injured
1
View Incident

Incident date

July 29, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM312-C

LOCATION

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

The US military reported on the same day that it had conducted an airstrike against al Shabaab fighters in the town of Jilib. However it was locally claimed that the attack had killed three young children, whose bodies were shown on social media. In a press release published on the evening of the attack, AFRICOM

Summary

First published
July 29, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(3 children)
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Discounted
Those killed were combatants, or other parties most likely responsible.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al Qaeda in East Africa
Named victims
3 named
Belligerents reported killed
1
Belligerents reported injured
1
View Incident

Incident date

August 1, 2021

Incident Code

USSOM342

LOCATION

Between Qaycad town and Xarardheere , Mudug, Somalia

In its latest actions in support of Somali ground forces, AFRICOM confirmed that it had conducted airstrikes on al Shabaab positions “in the vicinity of Qeycad” on August 1st. Statements published by both the Somali Ministry of Information and Galmudug State referred to two separate strikes, which Airwars is therefore treating as separate events. Galmudug

Summary

First published
August 1, 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

February 10, 2023

Incident Code

USSOM372

LOCATION

Donlaye, Mudug, Somalia

Between 12 and 117 alleged al-Shabaab militants were killed by declared AFRICOM airstrikes and/or Somali National Army operations in Donlaye, near Amara town, on February 10, 2023. AFRICOM released a statement on February 12th that “At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of Somali National Army engagements against al-Shabaab, U.S. Africa

Summary

First published
February 10, 2023
Last updated
May 31, 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
Village
Belligerents reported killed
12–117
View Incident

Incident date

September 6, 2023

Incident Code

USSOM403

LOCATION

Oodweyn, Mudug, Somalia

Up to seven civilians, including up to five children and a woman, were killed and up to five others, including children, were injured during an operation that has been declared by the Somali government. The US has denied directly participating in the operation despite accusations of US drone/air strikes, while the Somali government has denied

Summary

First published
September 6, 2023
Last updated
September 19, 2023
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike, Ground operation
Civilian infrastructure
Agriculture
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
(3–5 children1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
1–5
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Planted explosives and unexploded ordnance (UXO)
Airwars civilian harm grading
Contested
Competing claims of responsibility e.g. multiple belligerents, or casualties also attributed to ground forces.
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, Somali Military Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
6 named, 1 familiy identified
Geolocation
Village
Belligerents reported killed
2–3
View Incident

Incident date

January 21, 2012

Incident Code

USSOM020

LOCATION

Elasha Biyaha, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

A British al Shabaab fighter, Bilal al-Berjawi, was killed by a US drone strike in or near the town of Elasha Biyaha, 15km south of Mogadishu, local and international media reported. There were no reports of civilian harm. Three missiles fired from a drone operated by JSOC killed British-Lebanese militant Bilal al-Berjawi, also known as

Summary

First published
January 21, 2012
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
1
View Incident

Incident date

September 5, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM062

LOCATION

Tortoroow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

The US reported two days after the event that it had conducted two “self-defence strikes” on September 5th against al Shabaab, killing four militants. According to an AFRICOM press release, the strikes hit near Tortoroow and were conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia after a Somali-led counter-terrorism operation came under attack. Garowe

Summary

First published
September 5, 2016
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared 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
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
3
View Incident

Incident date

November 11, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM100

LOCATION

Osman Gaduud, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

US forces carried out a strike against al Shabaab at approximately 1630 local time on November 11, US Africa Command said. It made no mention of civilian harm. However, AFRICOM stated that the strike killed a single fighter, and that it took place near Gaduud, located 250 miles southwest of the capital, Mogadishu. This and

Summary

First published
November 11, 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
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

June 8, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM133

LOCATION

Baar, Lower Juba, Somalia

An American Special Forces soldier was killed – later named as Staff Sergeant Alexander Conrad – and four others were wounded in an attack by al Shabaab fighters in Jubaland. A member of a partner force was also killed or injured. The US soldiers were among a large force of 800 Somali and Kenyan soldiers

Summary

First published
June 8, 2018
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Cause of injury / death
Small arms and light weapons
Known belligerent
US Forces
Suspected belligerent
Unknown
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
1–3
Belligerents reported injured
5
View Incident

Incident date

January 8, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM180

LOCATION

Yaaq Braawe, Bay, Somalia

US Africa Command reported that the previous day, it had conducted “one (1) airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab encampment in the vicinity of Yaaq Braawe, Bay Region, Somalia, on January 8, 2019.” It added: “At this time we assess no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.” AFRICOM also stated that the airstrike “killed six

Summary

First published
January 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
6
View Incident

Incident date

May 5, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM218

LOCATION

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

The Somali military said that double US strikes near Jilib town killed 16 al Qaeda and al Shabaab fighters, according to Radio Risaala. US Africa Command did not however publish a press release for this event – though it did report a strike on the same date near Tortoroow. Quoting an anonymous military official, Risaala

Summary

First published
May 5, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike, Airstrike and/or Artillery
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Unknown
Suspected belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
16–18
View Incident

Incident date

November 2, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM096

LOCATION

Buqa, Bari, Somalia

The US conducted its first known strike against so-called Islamic State in Somalia. CNN reported that both strikes were carried out by armed drone. According to Associated Press, “A US official said the strikes were carried out in northeastern Somalia, with the first around midnight local time and the second later in the morning. The

Summary

First published
November 2, 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
ISIS - Somalia
Belligerents reported killed
6
View Incident

Incident date

May 9, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM221

LOCATION

Jamaame, Lower Juba, Somalia

According to local sources, an airstrike by an unknown party targeted a ‘foreign al Shabaab commander’ around dawn on May 9th 2019. According to Horn Globe, “A second huge blast was heard in Jamame town, around dawn. The target of the second air attack was al-Shabaab commander in charge of planning operations, a Somali intelligence officer

Summary

First published
May 9, 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, US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
5
View Incident

Incident date

January 22, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM270

LOCATION

Sakow district, Middle Juba, Somalia

Local reports claimed that US airstrikes had targeted al Shabaab bases near Sakow in Middle Juba, in support of ground operations by Somali forces. AFRICOM itself did not publicly report any strikes on this date. Goobjoog News reported what it said were US strikes in support of Somali ground operations “around Sakow district, the airstrike

Summary

First published
January 22, 2020
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 belligerent
US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
1–2
View Incident

Incident date

March 15, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM298

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 21, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM319a

LOCATION

Jana Cabdalle, Lower Juba, Somalia

A US airstrike targeted a vehicle in Jana Cabdalle, AFRICOM confirmed to Airwars via email. The Africa Command stated: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted one airstrike in Jana Cabdalle, Somalia on Sept. 21 to prevent a military vehicle from being commandeered by al-Shabaab terrorists. The command’s initial assessment

Summary

First published
September 21, 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