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
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Incident DatePublication Date

Incident Date

6 October 2011

Incident Code

USSOM015-C

Location

Dolbiyow, 35 kilometers east of Dhobley, Lower Juba, Somalia
Four Somali farmers were reported to have been killed in a possible drone strike in Dolbiyow Village, 35km east of Dhobley according to Somalia Report, while one was reportedly injured. The farmers and their camels were killed moments after al-Shabaab fighters fled the area in vehicles, witnesses said. However, a TFG official told Somalia Report…

Summary

Published
6 October 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Civilians reported killed
4
Civilians reported injured
1
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
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Incident Date

25 September 2011

Incident Code

USSOM014

Location

Kismayo, Lower Juba, Somalia
The United States launched a series of drone attacks on al-Shabaab in Kismayo, according to residents, who reported strikes on three locations. The BBC reported that "At least three targets were hit around Kismayo, the southern port which is under the control of the militants. One reconnaissance drone is reported to have crashed... al-Shabaab are patrolling the…

Summary

Published
25 September 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

15 September 2011

Incident Code

USSOM013-C

Location

Kismayo, Lower Juba, Somalia
A single source reported that nine civilians died in alleged US drone strikes on Kismayo. According to the source Antiwar.com, "Eyewitnesses in the southern Somali port city of Kismayo have reported a number of missile strikes, apparently fired by US drones in and around the city. Terrified residents say that several loud explosions were heard…

Summary

Published
15 September 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike (Drone Strike)
Civilians reported killed
9
Civilians reported injured
0–30
Military actors reported killed
5–30
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

6 July 2011

Incident Code

USSOM012-C

Location

Afmadow, Lower Juba, Somalia
In this single-source allegation, an unknown number of people were reportedly killed or wounded in possible US strikes in Afmadow district, as reported by Somalia Report. The source did not mention whether the victims were combatants or civilians. According to Somalia Report, US drones or planes reportedly hit three al Shabaab militant training camps in…

Summary

Published
6 July 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Military actors reported killed
0–2
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

28 June 2011

Incident Code

USSOM011

Location

Taabta, Lower Juba, Somalia
In a news feature looking at drone strikes in Somalia, Somalia Report stated that on this day, "another [US] attack occurred in Taabta village in the Afmadow District of Lower Juba." The report indicated that the target was al Shabaab. "AFRICOM does have terrorism in its list of applications and as of June JSOC's hunter killers…

Summary

Published
28 June 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident

Incident Date

21–23 June, 2011

Incident Code

USSOM010

Location

Kismayo, Lower Juba, Somalia
In the first known lethal drone strike in Somalia, Predators struck a militant training camp 10km south of Kismayo. Further missiles reportedly hit a second target near the airport. At least one member of Al-Shabaab was killed - possibly "many" - and up to three were wounded, according to local and international media. There were…

Summary

Published
21 June 2011
Strike Type
Airstrike
Military actors reported killed
1–5
Causes of Death / Injury
Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
Military Actor
U.S. Forces
View Incident