Geolocation
Airwars assessment
Both US Africa Command and the Somali government declared on the same day two airstrikes in the vicinity of Kunya Barrow. There were no known local claims of associated civilian harm.
According to the AFRICOM press release, “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted two (2) airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow, Somalia, Mar. 2… Initial assessment concluded these airstrikes killed one (1) terrorist and wounded two (2) terrorists. We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes.”
The Somali Ministry of Information noted that “On the afternoon of March 2, 2020, the FGS and US @USAfricaCommand , conducted two airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow, Somalia. These persistent precision airstrikes killed one al-Shabaab terrorist and wounded two other terrorists”.
Both strikes are separately entered here. However, without more detailed information on where reported deaths and injuries occurred, we cannot presently break down the strikes in more detail. Casualties have been assigned to this event only, to avoid double counting with USSOM286.
The incident occured in the afternoon.
Geolocation notes
Reports of the incident mention a strike in the vicinity of Kunya Barrow (حرمك), for which, due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The coordinates for Kunya Barrow are: 0.7928186, 43.3841839
Summary
Sources (9) [ collapse]
Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]
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Press statement by Somali MOI confirming two US strikes on Al Shabaab on march 2nd 2020
US Forces Assessment:
Original strike reports
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted two (2) airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow, Somalia, Mar. 2.
“US Africa Command is focused on support to the Federal Government of Somalia and helping them end al-Shabaab‘s brutal ambitions and treatment of the Somali people,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Bill Gayler, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. “Striking al-Shabaab leadership, fighters, facilities and areas of operations is one of the ways we continue to pressure their network.”
Al-Shabaab leadership has expressed its primary desire is to conduct attacks not just in East Africa, but against Americans and U.S. interests across the globe. International efforts and the persistent pressure placed on al-Shabab helps contain the group’s broader ambitions and desire to conduct attacks beyond Somali borders.
Initial assessment concluded these airstrikes killed one (1) terrorist and wounded two (2) terrorists.
We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes.
As part of an international effort, U.S. Africa Command and U.S. interagency partners help support Somali-led efforts to counter and contain dangerous terrorist organizations from exporting violence more broadly.