Geolocation
Airwars assessment
The US military carried out two separate airstrikes targeting al Shabaab in the vicinity of Jilib, 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 16, 2019… At this time, it is assessed the airstrikes killed two (2) militants. Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes. Our process and procedures allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis.
“With these coordinated airstrikes, we continue to degrade and deny al Shabaab’s freedom of movement in the region,” Air Force Brig. Gen. William P. West, deputy director of operations, US Africa Command, said in the press statement.
According to Voice of America reporter Harun Maruf, at least one of the victims was a senior al Shabaab figure: “BREAKING: US military conducted two new airstrikes in Jilib town area, Middle Jubba region on June 16 killing two Al-Shabaab militants – @USAfricaCommand. Local sources say one of the individuals targetted was a senior militant official.”
Although Airwars does not have any more specifics at present, we are treating the two strikes near Jilib on this date as separate events, as AFRICOM itself has chosen to do.
The local time of the incident is unknown.
Summary
Sources (4) [ collapse]
Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]
Geolocation notes
Reports of the incident mention that the strike took place in the vicinity of the town Jilib (جيليب), for which the coordinates are: 0.494527, 42.777868. Due to limited information and satellite imagery available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.
US Forces Assessment:
Original strike reports
U.S. airstrikes target al-Shabaab in support of the Federal Government of Somalia
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 16, 2019.
By U.S. AFRICA COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS, United States Africa CommandStuttgart, GermanyJun 17, 2019
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 16, 2019.
“With these coordinated airstrikes, we continue to degrade and deny al-Shabaab’s freedom of movement in the region,” said Air Force Brig. Gen. William P. West, deputy director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. “Precision airstrikes like these are one part of our strategy working with the Federal Government of Somalia to increase security and protect the Somali people.”
At this time, it is assessed the airstrikes killed two (2) militants.
Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes. 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.