Incident Code

USSOM021-C

Location

Kismayo, Lower Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

-0.355651, 42.545703
Accuracy: City

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: SOM014A)

In this single-source claim, six people were allegedly killed as an airstrike carried out by US or Kenyan forces, struck near the al Shabaab stronghold of Kismayo, Sheikh Mohamud Abdi, a senior al-Shabaab commander, claimed to Reuters.

It is not known whether the strike was by US or Kenyan forces. Kenya sent troops into Somalia in October amid concerns that Somalia’s 21-year-old civil war was spilling over the countries’ border.

The combatant status of the claimed six victims is unknown. The original source for this allegation is also not presently recoverable.

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Strike Status
Single source claim
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Weak
Single source claim, though sometimes featuring significant information.
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Civilians reported killed
0–6

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike took place near the city of Kismayo, for which the coordinates are: -0.355651, 42.545703. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

U.S. Forces Assessment
Suspected belligerent
U.S. Forces
U.S. Forces position on incident
Not yet assessed

Sources (1)