Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

USSOM378

Incident date

February 21, 2023

Location

Cadaley, Middle Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

2.400670, 45.256550 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

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.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

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.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    42

Sources (3) [ collapse]

US Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    42

Sources (3) [ collapse]