Incident Code

USSOM400

Location

in the vicinity of Basra, between Afgoye and Bal’ad towns, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: December 15, 2024

Five al-Shabaab militants were reportedly killed by operations carried out by Somalia government forces and ‘international partners’ in the vicinity of Basra, between Afgoye and Bal’ad towns on August 25, 2023.

@HarunMaruf quoted state media who reported that government forces in collaboration with international partners carried out a second operation that resulted in the killing of five militants. @HarunMaruf pointed out that the casualty numbers reported by state media have not been independently confirmed.

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
Single source claim
Civilian Harm Reported
No
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
Military actors reported killed
5

Military Statements

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

Sources (1)