Incident Code

USSOM380

Location

Buurweyn, Hiiraan, Somalia

Geolocation

3.591953, 45.552965
Accuracy: Town

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

More than 10 alleged al-Shabaab militants were killed by Somalia government forces and ‘international partners’ in the Burweyn area of Hiraan region on February 28, 2023.

A tweet from @HSNQ_NISA, the National Intelligence & Security Agency (NISA) of Somalia, announced that “more than” 10 [al-Shabaab members] including leaders were killed in an army operation by NISA with the help of international partners in the Burweyn area of Hiraan region.

@RashidMohamedK2 added that the high value target of the raid was Ibnu Bashir, a senior al-Shabaab member.

There were no other details available as to who was involved in the operation and the resulting casualties.

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 town of Buurweyn, for which the generic coordinates are: 3.591953, 45.552965. 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

Media From Sources (1)