Airwars assessment
Between 10 and 40 militants were killed by declared US airstrikes near Afmadow in Lower Juba on July 8, 2023.
AFRICOM announced on July 9, 2023 that “At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted three collective self-defense airstrikes overnight in a remote area near Afmadow, approximately 105 kilometers north of Kismayo, against al-Shabaab terrorists. The airstrike was in support of Somali National Army forces who were engaged by the terrorist organization. Working with the Somali National Army, U.S. Africa Command’s initial assessment is that the U.S. airstrike killed 10 al-Shabaab terrorists and that no civilians were injured or killed.”
Kenyans.co.ke reported that the operation was carried out with Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) and according to the Counter Terrorism and Security Intelligence (CTNSIS), “three Kenyans were among the militants shot dead during the operation” as well as two other militants who were Ethiopians. CTNSIS added that the join operation captured an Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) factory and recovered a Suicide Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (SVBIED), and that the commandos were deployed to the Hagar area for the operation.
Voice of America joined out that the Somali government had also reported that three operations conducted by Somali forces and “international partners” in Afmadow resulted in the death of 40 militants.
AFRICOM spokeswoman Kelly Cahalan told Task & Purpose that no US troops were on the ground at the time of the airstrikes.
The incident occured during the night.
Summary
Sources (6) [ collapse]
US Forces Assessment:
Original strike reports
U.S. Forces provide assistance to Somalia National Army
At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted three collective self-defense airstrikes overnight in a remote area near Afmadow, approximately 105 kilometers north of Kismayo, against al-Shabaab terrorists.
The airstrike was in support of Somali National Army forces who were engaged by the terrorist organization.
Working with the Somali National Army, U.S. Africa Command’s initial assessment is that the U.S. airstrike killed 10 al-Shabaab terrorists and that no civilians were injured or killed.
U.S. Africa Command takes great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to promote a more secure and stable Africa.
Al-Shabaab is the largest and most kinetically active al-Qaeda network in the world and has proved both its will and capability to attack partner and U.S. forces and threaten U.S. security interests.
Somalia remains key to the security environment in East Africa. U.S. Africa Command’s forces will continue training, advising, and equipping partner forces to give them the tools that they need to degrade al-Shabaab.
U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of this operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operations security.
U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, with partners, counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, and strengthens security forces in order to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability and prosperity.