Incident Code

USSOM275

Location

Vicinity of Beer Xani, Lower Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

0.218985, 42.177213
Accuracy: Neighbourhood/area

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

US Africa Command reported an airstrike in the vicinity of Beer Xaani on February 4th which it said had killed one terrorist. The attack came a day after Somali troops in the town had come under attack from al Shabaab.

According to AFRICOM’s release: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab terrorist in the vicinity of Beer Xaani, Somalia, Feb. 4… Initial assessment concluded the airstrike killed one (1) terrorist. We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.”

A day earlier, local Somali sources had reported that Jubbaland security forces had been ambushed and killed by al Shabaab near Beer Xaani.

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 strikes in the vicinity of Beer Xaani village, for which the coordinates are: 0.218985, 42.177213

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
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab terrorist in the vicinity of Beer Xaani, Somalia, Feb. 4. "The U.S. provides unrivaled and highly desired security force assistance options to our partners in Somalia," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Miguel Castellanos, deputy director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. "Armed over-watch and precision engagement capabilities will continue to create big-time challenges for al-Shabaab." Initial assessment concluded the airstrike killed one (1) terrorist. We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike. Somalia remains key to the security environment of East Africa, and its long-term stability is important to advancing U.S. interests in the region. We will continue to work together on our support of the Federal Government of Somalia in its effort to bring improved governance, development and stability to the Somali people.

Media From Sources (4)