In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab terrorists in the vicinity of Janaale, Somalia, on March 10, 2020.

“Our strikes are a key effort to combatting terror and helping to bring stability and security to Somalia,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Chris Karns, U.S. Africa Command director of public affairs. “Not only do they degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to conduct violent activities in the region, but they place relentless pressure on their fighter network and impede their ability to export terrorism.”

The command’s initial assessment concluded this airstrike killed five (5) terrorists.

While we currently assess that this airstrike injured no civilians, we are aware of social media reports alleging civilian casualties resulting from this strike. U.S. Africa Command complies with the law of armed conflict and takes all feasible precautions during the targeting process to minimize civilian casualties and other collateral damage. As with any allegation of civilian casualties, U.S. Africa Command will review any information it has about the incident, including any relevant information provided by third parties, and take appropriate action based on the outcome of this review.

In Somalia the U.S. works closely with our international partners on security sector development efforts, which include the United Nations, European Union, African Union, AMISOM and other troop contributing countries.

U.S. Africa Command and our international partners recognize that stability in Somalia will not be achieved through purely military means. The partner and allied forces we work with on a daily basis are trying to create security conditions to enhance governance and economic development.