Incident Code
USSOM332
Incident Code
USSOM332
Incident Date
19 January 2021
Location
Deb Scinnele, Lower Shabelle, Somalia
Geolocation
3.0278,
44.917099
Accuracy: Town
Geolocation
3.0278,
44.917099
Accuracy: Town
Airwars Assessment
Last Updated: December 15, 2024
A US airstrike alelgedly killed Al Shabaab fighter near Deb Scinnele, according to AFRICOM.
The press release said: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command forces conducted two airstrikes in the vicinities of Jamaame and Deb Scinnele, Somalia, Jan. 19.
Initial assessments indicate the strikes killed three al-Shabaab operatives.
The command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this operation.”
Key Information
Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike
Strike Status
Declared strike
Civilian Harm Reported
No
Geolocation Notes
Reports of the incident mention the town of Deb Scinnele, for which the generic coordinates are: 3.0278, 44.917099. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.
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 forces conducted two airstrikes in the vicinities of Jamaame and Deb Scinnele, Somalia, Jan. 19.
Initial assessments indicate the strikes killed three al-Shabaab operatives.
The command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this operation.
“These strikes targeted known al-Shabaab leaders involved in IED facilitation, fighter training, and attack planning,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Joint Task Force-Quartz commander. “Striking these leaders disrupts al-Shabaab’s ability to attack our partners and indiscriminately kill innocent civilians with improvised explosive devices. We are working closely with our Somali partners to support their operations against al-Shabaab, protect their people, and provide governance.”
Joint Task Force - Quartz operations support U.S. Africa Command and international efforts that promote a peaceful and stable Somalia. Violent extremist organizations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to U.S. and regional interests.