The Somali National Army along with “international allies” carried out multiple airstrikes reportedly against Al-Shabaab militants – killing approximately 19 – near Run-Nirgod, Masagaway, and El-Dher on 4 September, 2024.

The airstrikes, separated into multiple operations, spanned days. The first, according to TRT Afrika, lasted “for more than 24 hours” and targeted the Ruunirgood village of Geed Ma’arke; 14 militants were reported killed. The second killed five members who were manning a “terrorist checkpoint” in the Ceel Heelle area, while the third, believed to have not resulted in deaths, aimed for a “terrorist camp” and destroyed vehicles belonging to the group. According to a governmental press release shared by Caasimada Online, the Ceel Heelle operation “destroyed […] enemy combat vehicles that escaped from the first operation, including technical vehicles known as the Abdi-Bilaha and a tanker truck”.

Along with the vehicles mentioned, Shabelle Media reported that “safe houses” belonging to the group were also destroyed.

While no sources directly implicated the US in the operation, the Somali government’s reference to airstrikes and “international partners” has in the past indicated US involvement but could also refer to Turkish involvement or United Arab Emirates involvement.