Conflict

U.S. Forces in Somalia

Incident Codes

USSOM390 KS001

Location

Saakow, Middle Juba, Somalia

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

A civilian was injured by alleged Kenyan or United Arab Emirates or US airstrike on Saakow in Middle Jubba on June 16/17, 2023.

Horn Observer reported that a civilian was injured by airstrikes in Saakow, possibly carried out by Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, or the US.

Hormuud, Somalia’s largest telecom provider, also announced that their site was damaged by the airstrikes. The company released a statement that “there are reported human casualties but no Hormuud staff member was physically harmed, nevertheless the disruption of telecommunications services, destruction of property and emotional distress for local communities and our team have been significant.” @Hormuud also tweeted that the airstrikes caused disruption to their telecom and EVC Plus mobile money services, with @AhmedAKosar adding that more than 60,000 people were left without service.

Sources were conflicted as to who was responsible, with Garowe Online attributing the airstrike to the Kenyan Defense Forces while others referred to the UAE or US. At this time, no military has taken responsibility for the strikes. Multiple local sources pointed out the Kenya has previously bombed Hormuud installations.

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Strike Status
Contested strike
Civilian Harm Reported
Yes
Civilian Harm Status
Contested
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Civilians reported injured
1

Military Statements

Kenyan Military Forces Assessment
Suspected belligerent
Kenyan Military Forces
Kenyan Military Forces position on incident
Not yet assessed
United Arab Emirates Military Assessment
Suspected belligerent
United Arab Emirates Military
United Arab Emirates Military position on incident
Not yet assessed
U.S. Forces Assessment
Suspected belligerent
U.S. Forces
U.S. Forces position on incident
Not yet assessed

Media From Sources (10)