Conflict

U.S. Forces in Somalia

Incident Code

USSOM306

Location

جيليب, Kobon, Lower Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

0.035812, 42.709063
Accuracy: Neighbourhood/area

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

Ten Al Shabaab members were reportedly killed by a US airstrike near Kobon.

AFRICOM stated in its press release: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike against al-Shabaab terrorists who engaged U.S. partner forces, Somali National Army Danab, and Jubaland Security Force, near Kobon, Somalia, Apr. 9.

The command’s initial assessment concluded the Apr. 9 airstrike killed ten (10) terrorists and that the Apr. 10 airstrike killed one (1) terrorist.  U.S. Africa Command currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes.”

SONNA also confirmed the strike: “An additional strike was conducted April 10 targeting Al-Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia.It is assessed that the collective self-defense strike on April 9 killed ten (10) Al-Shabaab, terrorists and that the April 10 airstrike killed one (1) Al-Shabaab terrorist.”

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
Military actors reported killed
10

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention a strike in the vicinity of Kobon village, for which the generic coordinates are: 0.035812, 42.709063. 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
U.S. Forces Strike Report
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike against al-Shabaab terrorists who engaged U.S. partner forces, Somali National Army Danab, and Jubaland Security Force, near Kobon, Somalia, Apr. 9. The command also conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia, Apr. 10. Somali security forces continue to lead operations alongside African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces to increase security and seize ground from al-Shabaab. "Our assistance continues to build on the gains our partners are making," said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Miguel Castellanos, deputy director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. "The SNA and African partners on the ground keep hitting al-Shabaab hard, and it's having an effect on the al-Shabaab terror network." The command's initial assessment concluded the Apr. 9 airstrike killed ten (10) terrorists and that the Apr. 10 airstrike killed one (1) terrorist. U.S. Africa Command currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes. U.S. Africa Command and our international partners recognize that stability in Somalia will not be achieved through purely military means. It requires providing programs and opportunity for the Somali people. 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 and Somali National Army forces. Together with the partner and allied forces, U.S. Africa Command works on a daily basis to improve security conditions to enhance governance and economic development. U.S. Africa Command continues to work with its Somali partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.

Media From Sources (2)