U.S. Forces in Somalia

US forces began conducting airstrikes against Al-Qaeda in Somalia in 2007. Following Ethiopia’s military intervention and the capture of large swathes of the country by Al-Shabaab, US forces escalated their air campaign.

Airwars has documented numerous allegations of civilian harm from US strikes in Somalia since 2007.

Airwars estimate of civilian deaths

93 – 170

Locally reported civilian deaths from declared or likely U.S. Forces actions in Somalia for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by the U.S. Forces. These originate from 103 separate alleged incidents.

25 – 28
children likely killed
14 – 15
women likely killed
35
likely injured
91
named victims

U.S. Forces estimate of civilian deaths

6

Confirmed civilian deaths, from U.S. Forces actions in Somalia, originating from 5 separate incidents of civilian harm.

11
civilians confirmed injured
Alleged deaths
267 – 435
Locally reported civilian deaths from U.S. Forces actions in Somalia.
103 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
93 – 170
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by U.S. Forces
38 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
89 – 98
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
26 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
74 – 147
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
24 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
11 – 20
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
15 seperate alleged incidents
552 incidents
Order results by:
Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

28 June 2025

Incident Code

USSOM497

Location

Vicinity of Bosasso, Bari, Somalia
On June 28, 2025, AFRICOM announced that “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on June 28, 2025. The airstrike occurred southeast of Bosasso, Puntland, in Northeastern Somalia.” There was no mention of casualties amongst civilians or militants. There was no other information found about…

Summary

Published
12 December 2025
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Incident Date

27–30 June, 2025

Incident Code

USSOM498

Location

west of Kismayo, in the vicinity of Buulo Xaaji, Lower Juba, Somalia

Summary

Published
4 May 2026
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Incident Date

19 June 2025

Incident Code

USSOM496

Location

in the vicinity of Sabiid, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Summary

Published
4 May 2026
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Incident Date

16 June 2025

Incident Code

USSOM495

Location

in the vicinity of Bullo Xajji, Lower Juba, Somalia

Summary

Published
4 May 2026
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Incident Date

15 June 2025

Incident Code

USSOM494

Location

Southeast of Bossaso, Bari, Somalia

Summary

Published
4 May 2026
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Incident Date

14 June 2025

Incident Code

USSOM493

Location

northwest of Mogadishu, Somalia
On June 14, 2025, AFRICOM announced that “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against al Shabaab on June 14, 2025. The airstrike occurred northwest of Mogadishu, Somalia.” There was no mention of casualties amongst civilians or militants. There was no other information found about…

Summary

Published
12 December 2025
View Incident