The US has declared that its military actions in 2022 resulted in no civilians killed or injured, the first such release since a landmark policy intended to overhaul American practices and approaches to civilian harm across the globe.
Incident date
January 1, 2025
LOCATION
Beerhani and Qudus areas, Lower Juba, Somalia31 al-Shabaab militants were killed by alleged US airstrikes in support of the Somali National Army in the Beerhani and Qudus areas of Lower Juba, Somalia on January 1, 2025. The official Somali National Army Radio posted on Facebook announcing that “On January 1, an airstrike in the Beerhani and Qudus areas of Lower Juba
Summary
Incident date
December 31, 2024
LOCATION
Cal Miskaad mountains, Bari, SomaliaMultiple ISIS militants were killed by an alleged joint operation carried out by Puntland forces and the US military in the Cal Miskaad mountains on December 31, 2024. Shafaq News reported that “the Puntland Security Force (PSF), together with the US Air Force, carried out a joint operation on Tuesday targeting ISIS positions in the
Summary
Incident date
April 24, 2024
LOCATION
near Ruun Nirgood, Middle Shabelle, SomaliaBetween 10 and 70 militants, including “key Al-Shabaab ring leaders and militias” were purportedly killed and 30 other al-Shabaab members were injured after airstrikes announced by the Somali government in conjunction with international partners were carried out near Ruun Nirgood, Middle Shabelle on 24 April, 2024. The Somali Information Ministry, referenced by Anadolu Agency, reported
Summary
Incident date
April 5, 2024
LOCATION
Jir Jir Farey and Burka Fiiqey areas, north of Ruunirgood, Middle Shabelle, SomaliaHiiraan Online News reported that on April 5, 2024, the Somali Federal Government forces, supported by local militias and international allies, “targeted” Al-Shabaab hideouts in the Jir Jir Farey and Burka Fiiqey areas, north of Ruunirgood in Middle Shabelle. According to the government, the strike resulted in “multiple Al-Shabaab casualties” and the destruction of one
Summary
Incident date
December 31, 2024
LOCATION
Beer Xaani, Lower Juba, SomaliaThe United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced an airstrike against Al-Shabaab militants on 31 December 2024, in Beer Xaani. The strike, occurring “at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia” was declared a “collective self-defense” operation. At least 10 members of Al-Shabaab were reported killed; Somali forces fighting the group were evacuated. The Somali
Summary
Incident date
March 24, 2024
LOCATION
Fiiqaay forest, Middle Shabelle, SomaliaAccording to the Somali government, more than 35 militants were killed by operations carried out by the Somali military and “international partners” in Fiiqaay forest, Middle Shabelle on March 24, 2024. The Somali Ministry of Defence (@MoDSomaliya) announced on X/Twitter that “Somali National Army neutralised 80+ Khawarij (al-Shabaab) militants, including leaders, were eliminated in planned
Summary
Incident date
March 10, 2024
LOCATION
Ugunji, Qoryooley, Lower Shabelle, SomaliaA source affiliated with al-Shabaab reported that five civilian farmers were killed by a “US and Somali special forces” operation in Lower Shabelle on March 10th while US Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced that they had killed three al-Shabaab militants in airstrikes “in the vicinity of Ugunji.” AFRICOM declared their involvement in the strike on March
Summary
Incident date
March 2, 2024
LOCATION
in a remote area in the vicinity approximately 45 km northeast of Kismayo, SomaliaTwo al-Shabaab militants were reportedly killed by declared US airstrikes approximately 45 km northeast of Kismayo in Somalia on March 2, 2024. US Africa Command (USAFRICOM) released a statement on March 4th declaring their involvement: “At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense against the al Shabaab
Summary
Incident date
March 7, 2024
LOCATION
on the border between Lower Shabelle and Middle Jubba regions in southern Somalia, SomaliaHalbeeg News reported that at least six al-Shabaab fighters were killed in a suspected US airstrike which destroyed technical vehicles as well as an arsenal on the border between Lower Shabelle and Middle Jubba regions in southern Somalia on March 7, 2024. According to Halqabsi News, six al-Shabaab bases were struck and killed several high-ranking
Summary
Incident date
December 24, 2024
LOCATION
10 km southwest of Quyno Barrow, Lower Shabelle, SomaliaThe United States announced an airstrike against Al-Shabaab militants in the Lower Shabelle region on 24 December, 2024. The strike, which took place approximately 10 km southwest of Quyno Barrow, reportedly killed two Al-Shabaab members, including a lead commander, Mohamed Mire. AFRICOM released a statement on December 26th announcing that “In coordination with the Federal
Summary
Incident date
November 22, 2024
LOCATION
Haway area, near the town of Sablale, Lower Shabelle, SomaliaSenior al-Shabaab leaders were reportedly killed by an airstrike near the town of Sablale in the Lower Shabelle Region of Somalia on 22 November, 2024; at least 12 deaths were recorded—three commanders and “several senior leaders” were included in the count. The strike was allegedly perpetrated in part by the Somali National Army; sources also
Summary
Incident date
July 9, 2024
LOCATION
Kismaayo, Lower Juba, SomaliaHeavy losses were reportedly inflicted on al-Shabaab militants during an operation carried out by the Somali National Army and Jubaland forces with potential US airstrike support on 9 July, 2024, in Kismaayo, Lower Juba. Caasimada Online, admitting “conflicting reports”, reported that an operation was carried out by the “the Somali National Army and Jubaland forces”,
Summary
Incident date
June 17, 2024
LOCATION
Rage Baris area, Galgadud, SomaliaAn airstrike allegedly perpetrated by the Somali National Army “with assistance form international partners” killed up to 30 Al-Shabaab militants on 17 June, 2024 in the Rage Baris area of Galgadud, central Somalia. Garowe Online, quoting a statement from Somali state media clarified that two trucks and a technical vehicle [an improvised military vehicle] were
Summary
Incident date
June 4, 2024
LOCATION
Ceel-Lahelay area, Bakool, SomaliaSeven al-Shabaab militants were killed and others were injured by an airstrike perpetrated by the Somali National Army along with international partners on 4 June, 2024, in Bakool. The strike was announced by the Somali Ministry of Defense as a “successful mission […] aimed at safeguarding civilians”. According to Facebook user “Taliska Guutada 9aad Ee
Summary
Incident date
May 31, 2024
LOCATION
In the vicinity of Dhaardaar, approximately 81 km southeast of Bosaso, SomaliaIn conjunction with the Somali government, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted a strike against Islamic State militants on 31 May, 2024 in “a remote area in the vicinity of Dhaardaar”. AFRICOM reported that the strike had killed three IS militants, “with no civilian casualties”. X/Twitter user @ZakeriyeAxmed reported that the strike targeted IS leader and
Summary
Incident date
May 26, 2024
LOCATION
Calmadow/Almadow Mountains, Puntland, SomaliaOver 20 Al-Shabaab militants, including three high-level members, were allegedly killed and dozens injured by airstrikes conducted by the Somali government and “international partners” on 26 May, 2024 in the Calmadow mountains of Puntland. The strikes were reported to have targeted a “terrorist camp” and “disrupted a terrorist plot targeting civilians”. Multiple parties denied involvement;
Summary
Incident date
May 15, 2024
LOCATION
Ali Hayle area of Middle Shabelle, Galmudug, SomaliaAn airstrike reportedly carried out by the Somali government and “international partners” on 15 May, 2024 on the Ali Hayle area of the Middle Shabelle resulted in the deaths of several militants. Along with the al-Shabaab members killed, the strike destroyed a water tank, according to Halqabsi News. The Facebook page for Baraawe TV, reporting
Summary
In November 2023, Airwars and Article 36 co-convened a workshop to explore military perspectives on the opportunities and challenges arising in the implementation of the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas.
In the workshop report, we summarise the discussions held and challenges identified during the two-day workshop. We draw on these lessons, and our wider work on EWIPA, to make recommendations to states and militaries working to implement the declaration, and civil society organisations focused on supporting this process.
The workshop focused on exploring operational policies and practice regarding the use of explosive weapons during military operations in populated areas, with reference to the Declaration. Using a scenario-based approach, the workshop aimed to identify, and raise awareness of, changes to policies and practices that are necessary for the effective implementation of the operational provisions of the Declaration, ahead of the first official follow-up meeting of states and civil society which will be held in Oslo next week.
Participants in the workshop included active and retired members of national armed forces and defence ministry officials from 8 Western states, as well as participants from NATO, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and civil society organisations.
Key findings
A summary of the key recommendations and good practices outlined during the workshop are summarised below:
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Efforts to disseminate and promote engagement with the Declaration at the national level are required within relevant ministries and departments as well as the armed forces.
A process of policy review, revision and development by signatory states is an essential element of the implementation process.
To promote and implement the Declaration, it is vital to include both leaders at the strategic/political level as well as commanders at the operational level.
Commanders have a key role to play in ensuring civilian harm is mitigated, particularly from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas.
The Declaration’s central commitment points towards national-level policies and doctrines as the framework through which it should be implemented.
Weapon selection, including a proper understanding of the technical effects of different weapons and how those effects will be influenced by the built environment, is critical to mitigating civilian harm from explosive weapons.
States should critically review their approaches to and capacity for undertaking civilian harm tracking in line with established good practice.
The full workshop report can be found here.
Incident date
February 24, 2024
LOCATION
Jilib Marka, Lower Shabelle, SomaliaOn the 24th of February, 2024, the Federal Government of Somalia released a statement claiming that attacks by Somali government forces and international partner forces, conducted early in the morning of the same day, had killed 30 Al-Shabaab militants at a meeting point in the village of Jilib Marka, in the Lower Shabelle region of
Summary
Incident date
February 23, 2024
LOCATION
Al-Shabaab bases in Galhareeri district, Galhareeri district, central Somalia, SomaliaOn the 23rd of February, 2024 senior Al-Shabaab commanders were reportedly killed in an airstrike announced by the Somali military and “international allies”, and conducted against bases of the militant group in Galhareeri district, central Somalia. However, the number of Al-Shabaab members killed or injured in the strike remains unknown. An online report on the
Summary
Incident date
February 23, 2024
LOCATION
Farah-Adan and Jawle in Harardhere district, Mudug, SomaliaOn the 23rd of February, 2024, the Somali National Army (SNA), supported by international partners, reportedly conducted a night-time military operation against Al-Shabaab in the Farah-Adan and Jawle areas of Harardhere district in Mudug region, central Somalia. It was reported that several Al-Shabaab leaders were killed in the attack, however the exact number of Al-Shabaab
Summary
Incident date
February 17, 2024
LOCATION
Kuntu Waarey District and the El-Wadalan area of the Galcad district, Lower Shabelle and Galgaduud provinces, SomaliaOn the 17th of February, 2024, the Somali National Army (SNA) announced that they had conducted two airstrikes against Al-Shabaab militants with assistance from “international partners”. According to a statement from the Somali Ministry of Defense, one strike was conducted in the Kuntu Waarey District in Lower Shabelle and another was carried out in Galcad
Summary
Incident date
February 15, 2024
LOCATION
Jilib, Middle Juba, SomaliaTwo Cuban doctors, general medicine specialist Assel Herrera and surgeon Landy Rodriguez, were reportedly killed in a declared U.S. airstrike (possibly drone strike) conducted around 12:05am on the 15th of February 2024 in the town of Jilib, in the region of Middle Juba, Somalia. The militant group Al-Shabaab stated via Telegram that it had captured
Summary
Incident date
February 9, 2024
LOCATION
in the vicinity of the village of Yaq Dabel, Lower Juba, SomaliaOn the 9th of February, 2024, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against Al-Shabaab near the village of Yaq Dabel, located to the west of the city of Kismayo in Lower Juba, Somalia. AFRICOM released a statement on the 14th of February regarding the strike which made reference to an initial post-strike assessment that
Summary
Incident date
January 24, 2024
LOCATION
the town of Gal Hareri, Galguduud, SomaliaOn the 25th of January, 2024, an alleged Somali or US drone or air strike was conducted against the Al-Shabaab militant group in the town of Gal Hereri, in the Galgaduud region of Central Somalia, killing at least 20 militants, according to Somali regional and military officials. One woman, Maido Yusuf Abdulle, was reported to
Summary
Incident date
January 24, 2024
LOCATION
Remorse area in the vicinity of Caad, Mudug, SomaliaOn the 24th of January, 2024, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against Al-Shabaab in a remote area near the town of Caad in the Mudug region of eastern Somalia. AFRICOM stated that six Al-Shabaab militants were killed in the strike and assessed that no civilians were injured or killed. AFRICOM released a statement
Summary
Incident date
January 21, 2024
LOCATION
35 km northeast of Kismayo, Lower Juba, SomaliaOn January 21st, 2024, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted a drone strike against the Al-Shabaab militant group 35 kilometers northeast of the city of Kismayo in the Lower Juba region of Somalia, reportedly killing three militants. To date, there have been no reports of civilian casualties in connection to the strike. Two days later, on
Summary
Incident date
December 17, 2023
LOCATION
near to Jilib, Middle Juba, SomaliaOn the 17th of December, 2023, a declared U.S. airstrike reportedly killed an Al-Shabaab leader, Maalim Ayman, near Jilib in southern Somalia. On the same day as the airstrike, United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) released a statement on its website, stating that the airstrike had been conducted “in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia,
Summary
Incident date
September 23, 2023
LOCATION
Villages of Balal-Dheer, El-Gambar, and Mililiqo, Galguduud, SomaliaLocal and official sources alleged that 27 al-Shabaab militants were killed by operations and airstrikes declared by the Somali military in the villages of Balal-Dheer, El-Gambar, and Mililiqo on September 22, 2023. On Friday the 22nd of September, 2023, the Somali Ministry of Defense posted a statement on X / Twitter that “over 27 Khawarij