US Forces in Somalia

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

Belligerent
US Forces
Country
start date
end date
Civilian Harm Status
Belligerent Assessment
Declassified Documents
Infrastructure

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

September 17, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM247

LOCATION

NW of Kismayo, Lower Juba, Somalia

The US military carried out an airstrike on al Shabaab fighters – possibly high value – after they attacked a Somali patrol in the northwest of Kismayo, Lower Juba Province, according to a press release from US Africa Command. No civilian harm was reported in this incident. According to the official statement: “In coordination with

Summary

First published
September 17, 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
2
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 20, 2023

Incident Code

USSOM398

LOCATION

Buk Akable settlement, Hiiraan, Somalia

Mepa News reported that according to local sources, US airstrikes on the Buk Akable settlement resulted in the death of three civilians, including women and children, and the injury of seven others. The source stated that Somalia government media was claiming that those killed were members of al-Shabaab and that AFRICOM has not released a

Summary

First published
August 20, 2023
Last updated
September 11, 2023
Strike status
Single source claim
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
3
(1–2 children1–2 women)
Civilians reported injured
7
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
View Incident

Incident date

March 5, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM045

LOCATION

Raso camp, Hiiraan, Somalia

US drones and jets reportedly killed between 150 and 200 alleged members of al Shabaab in a strike on a training camp in Somalia, 120 miles north of Mogadishu. There are currently no associated reports of civilian harm. The total killed could in fact be higher. The district governor for Buloburte told the BBC’s Somali

Summary

First published
March 5, 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
150–200
View Incident

Incident date

March 13, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM121

LOCATION

Vicinity of Jamecco and Singulle, Middle Shabelle, Somalia

A US airstrike killed 12 al Shabaab militants and wounded another 15 members as Jamecco, Middle Shabelle was struck, AFRICOM reported. The US carried had carried out ten strikes since the start of the year, a US Africa Command spokesperson confirmed to the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ) at the start of April, which had

Summary

First published
March 13, 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
12
Belligerents reported injured
15
View Incident

Incident date

November 21, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM161

LOCATION

Either Jimo-Luqunyar or Adaley, near Debatscile, Mudug, Somalia

AFRICOM reported that the previous day it had “conducted two (2) airstrikes in the vicinity of Haradere, Somalia on November 21, 2018.” It added: “We currently assess these airstrikes did not injure or kill any civilians.” This assessment details the strike on the arms cache. Associated Press offered more detail on the attacks: “Somali intelligence

Summary

First published
November 21, 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

March 11, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM205-C

LOCATION

دار السلام, Darusalaam, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

The US conducted a confirmed airstrike on March 11th 2019 in the vicinity of Dara Salaam near Awdegle, Lower Shabelle Region, in “self-defense”. AFRICOM stated at the time that the airstrike – which it said killed eight al Shabaab militants – “was conducted in support of Somali-led ground forces that came under attack from militants”

Summary

First published
March 11, 2019
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 7
(1 woman1–6 men)
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons, Unknown
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
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
8
Belligerents reported injured
0–2
View Incident

Incident date

December 15, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM170

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
0
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
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

Incident date

August 20, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM315

LOCATION

IVO Kurtun Warey, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

One Al Shabaab member was allegedly killed by a US airstrike near Kurtun Warey. AFRICOM said in its press release: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting one terrorist in the vicinity of Kurtun Warey, Somalia, Aug. 20. The terrorist, who has a history of working with

Summary

First published
August 20, 2020
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
Unknown
Known belligerent
Unknown
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

June 2, 2021

Incident Code

USSOM338-C

LOCATION

Ceel-Cadde, Gedo, Somalia

At least one civilian, a woman, was killed and up to seven other civilians, including five children, were injured alleged US drone strikes or Kenyan airstrikes on the town of Ceel-Cadde in the Gedo region on June 2-3, 2021. Halgan Media reported that suspected US drones or Kenyan fighter jets carried out strikes on a home

Summary

First published
June 2, 2021
Last updated
March 4, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1 – 2
(1 child1 woman)
Civilians reported injured
4–7
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
Kenyan Military Forces, US Forces
Named victims
5 named, 1 familiy identified
View Incident

Incident date

February 17, 2023

Incident Code

USSOM376

LOCATION

near Afcad, Hiiraan, Somalia

Over 50 al-Shabaab militants were killed by Somali forces and “international partner” airstrikes or ground operations in near Afcad location in Hiiraan region on February 17, 2023. Somali National Television quoted the Somali Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism which released a statement that the Somali Armed Forces with support in international security partners killed

Summary

First published
February 17, 2023
Last updated
May 23, 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 belligerent
US Forces
Geolocation
Village
Belligerents reported killed
50
View Incident

Incident date

September 23, 2023

Incident Code

USSOM408

LOCATION

Shabeelow village, Mudug, Somalia

More than 30 Al-Shabaab militants were killed in an airstrike declared by Somali forces on Shabeelow village, located in the Mudug region of central eastern Somalia on the 23rd of September 2023, according to the Somali Ministry of Defense. Whilst an exact number of casualties was not given, the Ministry of Defense statement reported that

Summary

First published
September 23, 2023
Last updated
February 20, 2024
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
Somali Military Forces, US Forces
Belligerents reported killed
31
View Incident

Incident date

November 14, 2011

Incident Code

USSOM019

LOCATION

Afgooye, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Two al Shabaab leaders were possibly killed in an alleged US or French-launched air or drone strike in Afgoye, Lower Shabelle, local and international media reported. No sources reported civilian harm. Missiles were fired at a training camp in Afgoye, Lower Shabelle, according to al Shabaab. An initial report from the Suna Times stated: “US

Summary

First published
November 14, 2011
Last updated
January 18, 2022
Strike status
Contested strike
Strike type
Airstrike, Drone Strike
Civilian harm reported
No
Civilians reported killed
0
Suspected belligerents
US Forces, US Forces
Suspected target
Al-Shabaab
Belligerents reported killed
0–2
Belligerents reported injured
2–4
View Incident

Incident date

August 30, 2016

Incident Code

USSOM061

LOCATION

Gobanle, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

The US reported that it had conducted a “self-defense strike” against al Shabaab in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia in a press release published on September 7th. It said the strike hit near Gobanale and had resulted in the deaths of two al Shabaab militants. The press release reported that during a Somali-led

Summary

First published
August 30, 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
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 3, 2018

Incident Code

USSOM132

LOCATION

24 miles southwest of Bosaso, Bari, Somalia

US Africa Command told the Bureau of Investigative Journalism (BIJ) in July 2018 that it had carried out two strikes in early June – one previously undisclosed. The second took place on June 3rd, and targeted members of al Shabaab approximately 24 miles southwest of Bosasso, according to AFRICOM. “We currently assess no terrorists and

Summary

First published
June 3, 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

January 7, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM178

LOCATION

Baqdaad, Lower Juba, Somalia

US Africa Command reported that the day previously, it had “conducted two airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Baqdaad, Somalia, on January 7, 2019.” AFRICOM stated that “At this time we assess no civilians were injured or killed in these airstrikes.” According to AFRICOM “four militants” were killed in the strikes. AFRICOM added

Summary

First published
January 7, 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
4
View Incident

Incident date

May 5, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM217

LOCATION

Vicinity of Tortoroow, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

The US military carried out an airstrike in the vicinity of Tortoroow, according to a press release from US Africa Command issued the following day. AFRICOM asserted that three al Shabaab fighters were killed, and that it currently assessed that no civilians were harmed in the action. It further noted that the precision airstrike was

Summary

First published
May 5, 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
3
View Incident

Incident date

August 10, 2017

Incident Code

USSOM086

LOCATION

Shashweyne, Banaadir, Somalia

According to a Freedom of Information request obtained by journalist Joshua Eaton in May 2019, this previously unknown US strike took place in the vicinity of Shashweyne, Bandir region, Somalia against al-Shabaab fighters. In its FOIA response, AFRICOM again confirmed it had targeted what it says were “AS fighters”, in the vicinity of Shashweyne, Banadir

Summary

First published
August 10, 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
View Incident

Incident date

June 16, 2019

Incident Code

USSOM234

LOCATION

Vicinity of Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

The US military carried out two separate airstrikes targeting al Shabaab in the vicinity of Jilib, Middle Juba, according to a press release from US Africa Command. According to AFRICOM, “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted two airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia, on June

Summary

First published
June 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
View Incident

Incident date

February 2, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM274-C

LOCATION

Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

US Africa Command declared on the same day that it had conducted an airstrike “in the vicinity of Jilib” which it said had killed “one (1) terrorist.” However local reports said that one young woman was killed and two or three other women injured in the event in Jilib town, which AFRICOM later acknowledged. According

Summary

First published
February 2, 2020
Last updated
March 14, 2022
Strike status
Declared strike
Strike type
Airstrike
Civilian harm reported
Yes
Civilians reported killed
1
(1 child)
Civilians reported injured
3
Cause of injury / death
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Airwars civilian harm grading
Confirmed
A specific belligerent has accepted responsibility for civilian harm.
Known belligerent
US Forces
Known target
Al-Shabaab
Named victims
4 named, 1 familiy identified
Belligerents reported killed
1
View Incident

Incident date

April 5, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM302

LOCATION

مبارك, Mubarak, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Eight Al Shabaab militants were allegedly killed by three US strikes near Mubaraak. The AFRICOM press release said: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted three (3) airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Mubaraak, Somalia, Apr. 5. The command’s initial assessment concluded these airstrikes killed eight (8) terrorists.

Summary

First published
April 5, 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
8
View Incident

Incident date

December 11, 2020

Incident Code

USSOM324

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
View Incident