Airwars assessment
The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced an airstrike against Al-Shabaab militants on 31 December 2024, in Beer Xaani. The strike, occurring “at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia” was declared a “collective self-defense” operation. At least 10 members of Al-Shabaab were reported killed; Somali forces fighting the group were evacuated.
The Somali Ministry of information, Culture & Tourism (@MOISOMALIA) announced on January 5, 2025 that “Over 10 alShabab terrorist militants were eliminated by our brave security forces with the help of @USAfricaCommand airstrikes, in Berhano village, approximately 35km from #Kismayo town. Key terrorist outposts were destroyed during the operation, and no civilians were harmed.”
AFRICOM released a statement on January 7, 2025 that “At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against al-Shabaab on Dec. 31, 2024. The airstrike occurred in Beer Xaani, Somalia, approximately 35 km northwest of Cooperative Security Location Kismayo. The initial post-strike assessment indicated the airstrike killed 10 al-Shabaab militants while no civilians were harmed.”
A Facebook post from Wararka Soomaalida stated that combat between Al-Shabaab militants and “Jubbaland administration militias” led to the airstrike, as the Jubbaland militias were “supported by US aircraft from the air”. The militias had attempted to infiltrate the Beer Xaani area. The combat “lasted for a short time” after which “a helicopter landed and evacuated the bodies and wounded of Ahmed Madobe’s [Jubbaland] militias”. It is unknown how many Somali soldiers were killed.
The local time of the incident is unknown.
Summary
Sources (12) [ collapse]
US Forces Assessment:
Original strike reports
At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against al-Shabaab on Dec. 31, 2024.
The airstrike occurred in Beer Xaani, Somalia, approximately 35 km northwest of Cooperative Security Location Kismayo.
The initial post-strike assessment indicated the airstrike killed 10 al-Shabaab militants while no civilians were harmed.
In addition to the airstrike, U.S. forces provided support to Somali forces by evacuating Soldiers that were attacked while fighting the terrorist group.
Al-Shabaab has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. and partner forces. This terrorist group’s malicious efforts threaten U.S. and international security interests both in and outside the continent of Africa.
U.S. Africa Command, united alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to prevent al-Shabaab’s advancements in planning and conducting attacks in the region, which disproportionately harm civilians.
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.
The command will continue to assess the results of this airstrike and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released to ensure operational security.
U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, works with partners to counter malign actors and international threats, responds to crises, and strengthens security forces to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.