Conflict

U.S. Forces in Somalia

Incident Code

USSOM456

Location

Sheebaab, Bari, Somalia

Geolocation

11.082970, 49.908264
Accuracy: Village

Airwars Assessment

Last Updated: January 13, 2026

On the evening of February 12, 2025 in the Sheebaab region of the Cal Miskaad mountains of the northern Puntland province of Bari, over 30 ISIS militants were killed in two joint airstrikes allegedly conducted by the US and UAE militaries, according to media and military sources. The militants, “most of whom were foreigners” of unspecified nationality, were transporting a supply vehicle, which was also destroyed in the strike, according to a post on X by the Puntland Counterrorism Operations quoted by Anadolu Agency. The strikes were jointly conducted by the US and UAE militaries, according to the Military Observer. At the time of publication, the US military has not released a statement declaring their involvement in this incident.

The strike came a day after 65 militants and over 20 Putland forces were killed in heavy clashes surrounding a Puntland security base in the region.

Assessment Updates

13 January 2026
Geolocation added. Incident had not been geolocated when originally published.

Key Information

Country
Military Actor
Strike Type
Airstrike
Strike Status
Single source claim
Civilian Harm Reported
No
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military actors reported killed
31

Geolocation Notes

Reports of the incident mention the area of Sheebaab. The generic coordinates for the village of Sheebaab are: 11.082970, 49.908264. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Military Statements

U.S. Forces Assessment
Suspected belligerent
U.S. Forces
U.S. 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

Media from Sources (2)