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Airwars Assessment
(Previous Incident Code: SOM155)
The US military carried out a “precision airstrike” targeting an ISIS-Somalia encampment in the Golis Mountains, according to a press release issued the following day by US Africa Command.
AFRICOM said it had assessed that the strke killed four members of ISIS-Somalia and that no civilians were harmed. “At this time, it is assessed the airstrike on May 9 killed four (4) 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.”
The attack came one day after a strike against ISIS had reportedly also killed 13 terrorists.
The AFRICOM statement further noted: “This deliberate campaign is building on increased intelligence and understanding of ISIS training and recruitment activities in Puntland, and is the fourth precision airstrike against ISIS-Somalia since April 14.”
Key Information
Geolocation Notes
In its own public reporting of airstrikes in northern Somalia, AFRICOM tends to cite only ‘the vicinity of the Golis Mountains’ – instead of the nearest settlement usually provided for elsewhere. The Golis Mountains extend from the border with Ethiopia into Somaliland, and then eastwards to Puntland. Given that both ISIS and Al Shabaab are reportedly present more in Puntland, or on the Puntland/Somaliland borders, it is likely this strike took place in that region. In this respect, and in combining the information available from sources of alleged militant activity in the South-west and South-east of Bosaso, and several mentions of Galgala, we have chosen a generic middle point, for which the coordinates are: 11.060894, 49.184169. Due to limited satellite imagery, and public reporting available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Combining the information available from sources of alleged militant activity in the South-west and South-east of Bosaso, and several mentions of Galgala, we have chosen a generic middle point.
Imagery: Google Earth
Military Statements
Media From Sources (5)
The US conducted another airstrike targeting an ISIS-Somalia encampment in the Golis Mountains, Somalia, Thursday, killing 4 ISIS militants according to @USAfricaCommand. This is the 4th airstrike against ISIS-Somalia since April 14 & the 36th US airstrike in Somalia of 2019 https://t.co/IzMM2vNJZJ
— Ryan Browne (@rabrowne75) May 10, 2019
Following declared US actions against al Shabaab suspects on May 5th and May 8th, @USAfricaCommand reports its second recent airstrike May 9th in Somalialand's Golis Mountains against ISIS. https://t.co/Cz0dprmgrY
— Airwars (@airwars) May 10, 2019