Incident Code

USSOM300

Location

Bush Madina, Bay, Somalia

Geolocation

3.02558, 43.650749
Accuracy: Neighbourhood/area

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

Three Al Shabaab fighters were allegedly killed in a US airstrike near Bush Madina.

The AFRICOM press release said: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Bush Madina, Somalia, April 2.

The command’s initial assessment concluded this airstrike killed three (3) terrorists. We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.”

The Somali Ministry of Information said: “On 02 April 2020, the FGS, in partnership with the US Africa Command, conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Bush Madina, Somalia. This precision airstrike killed three (3) AS terrorists and reduced one (1) compound.”

AFRICOM later provided details on a high-profile targeted allegedly killed in the strike: “U.S. Africa Command post-strike assessments confirm that one of the three terrorists killed in the command’s Apr. 2 precision airstrike was a long-standing, high-ranking leader in the al-Shabaab terrorist organization.

The terrorist, Yusuf Jiis, was one of the foundational members of the terrorist group and held many significant positions that facilitated al-Shabaab’s violent and harmful activities throughout East Africa.”

Garowe revealed details on another target: “According to multiple police sources, Yonis Sheikh Dahir was one of the three victims of Bush Madina raid, about 135 miles West of Mogadishu, where they had been coordinating Al-Shabaab activities.

Dahir, reports indicate, was a counterintelligence operative, and has been holding several high ranking positions within the Al-Shabaab, including the chief explosive commander in Southern Somalia.”

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 a strike in the vicinity of Bush Madina village, for which the generic coordinates are: 3.02558, 43.650749. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

U.S. Forces Assessment
Suspected belligerent
U.S. Forces
U.S. Forces position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media From Sources (2)