Conflict

U.S. Forces in Somalia

Incident Code

USSOM025-C

Location

Kol, near Bula Xawa, Gedo, Somalia

Geolocation

3.928658, 41.874032
Accuracy: Town

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: SOM016b)

Two airstrikes by an unknown belligerent hit the nomadic settlement of Kol, near the city of Bulla-Xama, in southwestern Somalia’s Gedo region, killing a mother and her two children and injuring five others, a young man who fled the settlement following the strike told the Kenyan group Journalists for Justice.

According to a report, Black and White, the two strikes happened at around noon on an unspecified date in March 2013, “killing a mother and her two children and 13 goats. Three other women and two children were injured.”

Currently, no further details are available, including the presumed target of the strike.

Victims

Family members (3)

Unnamed mother
Adult female killed
Unnamed 1
Child killed
Unnamed 2
Child killed

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike
Strike Status
Single source claim
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Weak
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Civilians reported killed
3
2 Children, 1 Woman
Civilians reported injured
5
2 Children, 3 Women

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention that two airstrikes targeted the nomadic settlement of Kol, near the town Bula Xawa. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location of the settlement of Kol. The coordinates of the town Bula Xawa are: 3.928658, 41.874032.

Military Statements

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