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

92 – 167

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 101 separate alleged incidents.

25 – 28
children likely killed
14 – 15
women likely killed
35
likely injured
90
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
245 – 407
Locally reported civilian deaths from U.S. Forces actions in Somalia.
101 seperate alleged incidents
Confirmed or Fair
92 – 167
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Fair, or have been Confirmed by U.S. Forces
37 seperate alleged incidents
Weak
89 – 98
Civilian deaths for which the reporting was assessed by Airwars as Weak.
26 seperate alleged incidents
Contested
53 – 122
Civilian deaths for which the reporting is assessed by Airwars as Contested.
23 seperate alleged incidents
Discounted
11 – 20
Civilian deaths were Discounted by Airwars after assessment.
15 seperate alleged incidents
447 incidents
Order results by:
Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

10 March 2020

Incident Code

USSOM290

Location

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia
A US airstrike targeted Al Shabaab in Jilib, according to local reporting. Radio Kulmiye said: "Suspected US airstrikes targeted to Al-shabaab compounds in southern Somalia. The attacks destroyed vehicles, camps and killed militants. According to Somali intelligence officials, the airstrikes carried by unidentified military planes targeted Jilib, Sakow and Bu’ale towns of Middle Jubba region,…

Summary

Published
10 March 2020
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

10 March 2020

Incident Code

USSOM292a

Location

Salagle, Middle Juba, Somalia
One Al Shabaab member was allegedly killed by an alleged US airstrike on Salagle. Somaliweyn reported: "The shelling occurred in Jilib, Sakow, Bu'ale, and Salagle districts of the Juba regions, with the shelling targeting al-Shabaab bases in those districts." It added: "The Salagle area has reportedly targeted a senior al-Shabaab security official whose name has…

Summary

Published
10 March 2020
Strike Type
Airstrike
Military actors reported killed
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

10 March 2020

Incident Code

USSOM291

Location

سااكوو, Saakow, Middle Juba, Somalia
A US airstrike targeted Al Shabaab in Saakow, according to local reporting. Radio Kulmiye said: "Suspected US airstrikes targeted to Al-shabaab compounds in southern Somalia. The attacks destroyed vehicles, camps and killed militants. According to Somali intelligence officials, the airstrikes carried by unidentified military planes targeted Jilib, Sakow and Bu’ale towns of Middle Jubba region,…

Summary

Published
10 March 2020
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

10 March 2020

Incident Code

USSOM292

Location

Bu'aale, Middle Juba, Somalia
A US airstrike targeted Al Shabaab in Bu'aale, according to local reporting. Radio Kulmiye said: "Suspected US airstrikes targeted to Al-shabaab compounds in southern Somalia. The attacks destroyed vehicles, camps and killed militants. According to Somali intelligence officials, the airstrikes carried by unidentified military planes targeted Jilib, Sakow and Bu’ale towns of Middle Jubba region,…

Summary

Published
10 March 2020
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

10 March 2020

Incident Code

USSOM293-C

Location

Near Janaale, Lower Shabelle, Somalia
Between four and six civilians were allegedly killed by a US airstrike near Janaale. Morad News, reportedly close to Al Shabaab, tweeted: "US drone strike kills 4 civilians after bombing a minibus near Janaale town. 2 of the victims r members of a well known family in Mogadishu. An elderly man & driver are among…

Summary

Published
10 March 2020
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Civilians reported killed
2–6
Military actors reported killed
0–5
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

9 March 2020

Incident Code

USSOM289

Location

Near Janaale, Lower Shabelle, Somalia
US Africa Command on the same date declared an airstrike in the vicinity of Janaale, which it said had killed four al Shabaab fighters. According to the AFRICOM press release: "In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab terrorists in vicinity of Janaale, Somalia, Mar. 9... The…

Summary

Published
9 March 2020
Strike Type
Airstrike
Military actors reported killed
4
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident