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

23 January 2019

Incident Code

USSOM184

Location

جيليب, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia
AFRICOM reported that the previous day it had “conducted two (2) airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab militants near Jilib, Middle Juba Region, Somalia, on January 23, 2019.” It also asserted that “at this time we assess no civilians were injured or killed in these airstrikes.” AFRICOM gave no figures on the number of belligerents killed. Associated Press…

Summary

Published
23 January 2019
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

20 January 2019

Incident Code

USSOM182-C

Location

Radio Andalus, Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia
A reported airstrike or bomb blast by an unknown party on an al Shabaab radio station in Buale or Jilib town killed up to 25 al Shabaab supporters - five of them journalists. US Africa Command later denied responsibility. According to Sonna Somalia, "At least 10 people have been killed and more than 30 others…

Summary

Published
20 January 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Civilians reported killed
0–5
Military actors reported killed
10–25
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

19 January 2019

Incident Code

USSOM181

Location

Between Araare crossing and Muse Haji, near Baar Sanguni, Lower Juba, Somalia
Up to 73 al Shabaab fighters were killed in a confirmed retaliatory strike conducted by US Africa Command. On the same day as the attack, AFRICOM reported that it had "conducted an airstrike targeting militants near Jilib, Middle Juba Region, Somalia, on January 19, 2019." The airstrike was apparently conducted after a large contingent of…

Summary

Published
19 January 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike, Counter-Terrorism Action (Ground)
Military actors reported killed
52–73
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Unknown
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

8 January 2019

Incident Code

USSOM180

Location

Yaaq Braawe, Bay, Somalia
US Africa Command reported that the previous day, it had conducted "one (1) airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab encampment in the vicinity of Yaaq Braawe, Bay Region, Somalia, on January 8, 2019." It added: "At this time we assess no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike." AFRICOM also stated that the airstrike "killed six…

Summary

Published
8 January 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Military actors reported killed
6
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Unknown
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

7 January 2019

Incident Code

USSOM178

Location

Baqdaad, Lower Juba, Somalia
US Africa Command reported that the day previously, it had "conducted two airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Baqdaad, Somalia, on January 7, 2019." AFRICOM stated that "At this time we assess no civilians were injured or killed in these airstrikes." According to AFRICOM "four militants" were killed in the strikes. AFRICOM added…

Summary

Published
7 January 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Military actors reported killed
4
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Unknown
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

7 January 2019

Incident Code

USSOM179

Location

Baqdaad, Lower Juba, Somalia
US Africa Command reported that the day previously, it had “conducted two airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Baqdaad, Somalia, on January 7, 2019.” AFRICOM stated that “At this time we assess no civilians were injured or killed in these airstrikes.” According to AFRICOM “four militants” were killed in the strikes. AFRICOM added…

Summary

Published
7 January 2019
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident