Incident Code

USSOM378

Location

Cadaley, Middle Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

2.400670, 45.256550
Accuracy: Nearby landmark

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

42 al-Shabaab militants were reportedly killed by Somali forces and “international partner” operations in Cadaley near Mahaday district in Middle Shabelle on February 21, 2022.

Somali National News Agency @SONNALIVE announced that the Somali National Army supported by regional forces and International partners killed 42 al-Shabaab militants in Cadaley near Mahaday district.

According to Islam Times News, quoting the Somali government, the operation lasted 30 hours.

No other details were available on the operation or casualties.

AFRICOM announced airstrikes in a different region near Galmudug on the same day, February 21st, that resulted in the death of seven al-Shabaab militants.

While no sources directly implicated the US in the operation, the Somali government’s reference to “international partners” has in the past indicated US involvement but could also refer to Turkish involvement.

Key Information

Country
Strike Type
Airstrike, Ground operation
Strike Status
Contested strike
Civilian Harm Reported
No
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the locality of Cadaley, for which the generic coordinates are: 2.400670, 45.256550. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

International Forces (Unknown) Assessment
Suspected belligerent
International Forces (Unknown)
International Forces (Unknown) position on incident
Not yet assessed