Incident Code

USSOM219

Location

Ameyra, 150 km south of Bosasso, Bari, Somalia

Geolocation

10.56245, 50.42396
Accuracy: Subdistrict

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

(Previous Incident Code: SOM154)

The US military carried out an airstrike targeting an ISIS-Somalia encampment in the Golis Mountains, according to a press release from AFRICOM.

The strike killed 13 fighters from ISIS-Somalia, in what was the third recent declared strike against ISIS. AFRICOM said it currently assessed that no civilians were harmed.

The statement further noted: “We are supporting our Somali and AMISOM partners with increased, mature intelligence sharing. There is a deliberate campaign underway, that is intelligence-driven, that capitalizes on what we learn during each operation and rapidly leveraging that information to drive the next operation, including discovering where terrorists may be training, massing, and preparing to commit atrocities.”

Local journalist Abdi Rahman Adani tweeted that the strike took place in the “vicinity of Ameyra village on Golis mountains in Bari region of #Puntland state.”

https://twitter.com/abdi_adaani/status/1126552825637539840

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike
Strike Status
Declared strike
Civilian Harm Reported
No
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention that the strike targeted an ISIS-Somalia encampment near the remote village of Ameyra, 150 km south of Bosaso. A source unrelated to this incident (https://www.voanews.com/africa/villagers-us-drone-strike-somalia-kills-frankincense-collectors) reports that Ameyra is located close to the village Timirshe, however, due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the precise location of Ameyra. The coordinates for Timirshe are: 10.56245, 50.42396.

The village of Timirshe, located around 150 kilometers southeast of Bosasso (150 km radius marked in red)

Imagery: Google Earth

Military Statements

U.S. Forces Assessment
Known belligerent
U.S. Forces
U.S. Forces position on incident
Not yet assessed
U.S. Forces Strike Report
Somali Forces & U.S. Africa Command Conduct Airstrike Targeting ISIS-Somalia In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia's continued efforts to degrade violent extremist organizations, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an ISIS-Somalia encampment in the Golis Mountains, Somalia, on May 8, 2019. By U.S. AFRICA COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, United States Africa CommandStuttgart, GermanyMay 09, 2019 In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia's continued efforts to degrade violent extremist organizations, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an ISIS-Somalia encampment in the Golis Mountains, Somalia, on May 8, 2019. "We are supporting our Somali and AMISOM partners with increased, mature intelligence sharing," said Rear Admiral Heidi Berg, U.S. Africa Command director of intelligence. "There is a deliberate campaign underway, that is intelligence-driven, that capitalizes on what we learn during each operation and rapidly leveraging that information to drive the next operation, including discovering where terrorists may be training, massing, and preparing to commit atrocities." U.S. Africa Command precision airstrikes support Somali security force activities and build enhanced security conditions to allow time and space for governance and economic development to occur. At this time, it is assessed the airstrike on May 8 killed thirteen (13) terrorists. A detailed post-strike analysis continues and more details may be released as appropriate. Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike. Our process and procedures allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis. U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States. In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.

Media From Sources (5)