Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

USSOM354

Incident date

October 23, 2022

Location

near Buulobarde, Hiiran, Somalia

Geolocation

3.855029, 45.568398 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least two al-Shabaab militants were killed by a declared US airstrike near Buulobarde, Somalia on October 23, 2022.

AFRICOM released a statement that “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists who were attacking Somali National Army forces near Buulobarde, Somalia, about 218 km north-northwest of Mogadishu, on Oct. 23. The command’s initial assessment is that the strike killed two attacking al-Shabaab terrorists and that no civilians were injured or killed.” AFRICOM also added that “U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of the operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operations security.”

Voice of America reported that leading up to the strike, al-Shabaab launched two major attacks in Somalia, including the siege at the Tawakal Hotel on Sunday in the southern coastal city of Kismayo and a triple bombing in the town of Beledweyne. In response, the Somali National Army and its allied militia have launched an offensive against the group, and the Military Times quoted the Somali Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism who released a statement that government forces had reclaimed territories in the Hiiraan (where the strike occurred) and Middle Shabelle regions in the Hirshabelle State.

Horumar added that just a day after the strike occurred, the Somali government announced that they had killed over 100 al-Shabaab militants in 48 hours in Hirshabelle State, in conjunction with “international friends”.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–100

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a strike in the vicinity of the town of Bulobarde, for which the generic coordinates are: 3.855029, 45.568398. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists who were attacking Somali National Army forces near Buulobarde, Somalia, about 218 km north-northwest of Mogadishu, on Oct. 23.
The command’s initial assessment is that the strike killed two attacking al-Shabaab terrorists and that no civilians were injured or killed.
U.S. Africa Command takes great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to promote a more secure and stable Africa.
Al-Shabaab is the largest and most kinetically active al-Qaeda network in the world and has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. forces and threaten U.S. security interests. U.S. Africa Command, alongside its partners, continues to take action to prevent this malicious terrorist group from planning and conducting attacks on civilians.
Somalia remains key to the security environment in East Africa. U.S. Africa Command’s forces will continue training, advising, and equipping partner forces to give them the tools that they need to degrade al-Shabaab.
U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of the operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operations security.
U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, with partners, counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, and strengthens security forces in order to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability and prosperity.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–100

Sources (9) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM353-C

Incident date

October 1, 2022

Location

near Haramka, Middle Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

0.793681, 43.383796 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One high ranking al-Shabaab leader was killed by declared US and Somali airstrikes near Haramka in Middle Juba on October 1, 2022. Local sources also reported that another man named Ibrahim Hassan Dahir was also killed but are conflicted as to his status as a militant or civilian.

According to AFP, a top al-Shabaab leader named Abdullahi Yare who had a $3.0 million US bounty on his head was killed by a joint airstrike near Haramka. AFP described Yare as a co-founder of the group who was believed to be next in line to take over the leadership of the movement from the current chief Ahmed Diriye, who has been in charge since 2015. Garowe Online added that Yare had been in hiding and the Long War Journal quoted the Somali government in noting that he was acting as the head of al-Shabaab’s da’wah (proselytizing) department at the time of his death.

The Somali Ministry of Information said that “this leader… was the head preacher of the group and one of the most notorious members of the Shabab group. He was former head of the Shura council and the group’s director for finances.” @MOISOMALIA (Twitter for the Ministry of Information) posted that “Abdullahi Nadir, a top leader of #Alshabab terrorists” was killed by “Somali National Army and international security partners.”

Local sources, including @dhoorebbc, reported that in addition to Yare, the airstrike also killed Ibrahim Hassan Dahir. @InsightInstitue tweeted that Ibrahim is the son of Hassan Dahir Aweys, a former extremist leader who is currently under house arrest and that Hassan is the brother in law of Yare.

Sources were conflicted as to whether Ibrahim Hassan Dahir was a militant or a civilians. Various posts on Somalispot reported about Ibrahim, with one stating that Yare and Ibrahim were traveling together and “Dahir Aweys son was called by Shabaab from Muqdisho to treat injured terrorists” while another stated that “Ibrahim Hassan was a professor and known to be a relatively normal guy who just owned farms and wasn’t known to be affiliated with Shabaab that went about his business.” Another post wrote that because “Abudullahi Nadir guy – who was reported to be married to the sister of Sheekh Hassan Dahir Aweys – the son of Hassan Dahir Aweys was under surveillance for both American and Somali intelligence services” and that “it doesn’t look like the son of Hassan Dahir Aweys was the target himself.”

@OmarKiyow tweeted that Ibrahim had recently graduated from university and owned farmland in the area of the strike. A tweet from @Lowkey0nline also refers to Ibrahim as being a civilian and lists his title as “Dr. Ibrahim Hassan”.

AFRICOM released a statement October 3rd, two days after the incident, that “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against the al-Shabaab militant network in Somalia on October 1. The strike occurred near Jilib, about 370 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu. The command’s initial assessment is that the strike killed an al-Shabaab leader and that no civilians were injured or killed.” The majority of other sources that reported on the incident identified the location as near Haramka, which is about 50 miles from Jilib.

The Long War Journal noted that al-Shabaab has not yet commented on Yare’s reported death.

On March 10, 2023, in their quarterly civilian harm report, AFRICOM deemed this incident “unsubstantiated,” stating that “On Oct. 1, 2022, U.S. Africa Command received one (1) report from an online media source stating two (2) civilians were killed and as a result of a U.S. military operation in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia on Oct. 1, 2022. After review, the report was assessed as unsubstantiated. On Oct. 1, 2022 an airstrike was conducted against two al-Shabaab members. The airstrike on Oct. 1, 2022 targeted Abdullah Yare, an al-Shabaab commander who planned and coordinated attacks against partner forces in the region. Multiple U.S. intelligence reports, compiled over the course of several years, confirmed the individual was an al-Shabaab commander. The airstrike occurred in an open area where the effects of the strike were limited to the targeted individual and the al-Shabaab associate in the vehicle.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (0–1 men)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1–2

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (4) [ collapse]

  • Wanted posted for Abdullahi Yare, leader of al-Shabaab allegedly killed by a US-Somali airstrike near Haramka on October 3, 2022. (Image posted by Long War Journal)
  • Ibrahim Hassan Dahir Aweys was reportedly killed in a declared US airstrike in Lower Shabelle on October 1, 2022. (Image posted by @InsightInstitue)
  • Ibrahim Hassan Dahir Aweys (left) and his father Hassan Dahir Awerys (right). Ibrahim was reportedly killed in a declared US airstrike in Lower Shabelle on October 1, 2022. (Image posted by @InsightInstitue)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention strikes in the vicinity of the town of Haramka, for which the generic coordinates are: 0.793681, 43.383796. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Civilian casualty statements

US Forces
  • Mar 10, 2023

  • Oct. 1, 2022 (Unsubstantiated) On Oct. 1, 2022, U.S. Africa Command received one (1) report from an online media source stating two (2) civilians were killed and as a result of a U.S. military operation in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia on Oct. 1, 2022. After review, the report was assessed as unsubstantiated. On Oct. 1, 2022 an airstrike was conducted against two al-Shabaab members. The airstrike on Oct. 1, 2022 targeted Abdullah Yare, an al-Shabaab commander who planned and coordinated attacks against partner forces in the region. Multiple U.S. intelligence reports, compiled over the course of several years, confirmed the individual was an al-Shabaab commander. The airstrike occurred in an open area where the effects of the strike were limited to the targeted individual and the al-Shabaab associate in the vehicle.

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against the al-Shabaab militant network in Somalia on October 1. The strike occurred near Jilib, about 370 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu.
The command’s initial assessment is that the strike killed an al-Shabaab leader and that no civilians were injured or killed.
U.S. Africa Command takes great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting innocent civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to promote a more secure and stable Africa.
Al-Shabaab is the largest and most kinetically active al-Qaeda network in the world and has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. forces and threaten U.S. security interests. U.S. Africa Command, alongside its partners, continues to take action to prevent this malicious terrorist group from planning and conducting attacks on civilians.
Somalia remains key to the security environment in East Africa. U.S. Africa Command’s forces will continue training, advising, and equipping partner forces to give them the tools that they need to degrade al-Shabaab.
U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of the operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operations security.

U.S. Africa Command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, with partners, counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, and strengthens security forces in order to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability and prosperity.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    0 – 1
  • (0–1 men)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    1–2

Sources (22) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM352

Incident date

September 18, 2022

Location

near Bulabarde, Hiran, Somalia

Geolocation

3.855029, 45.568398 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

AFRICOM declared conducting an airstrike on September 18th 2022 against Al-Shabaab terrorists who were reportedly attacking the Somalia National Army forces near Buulobarde, Somalia. The US confirmed responsibility for killing 27 militants in this strike, according to the US, with the Somalia National Army saying that over 100 militants were killed in the whole operation which lasted over 72 hours. There were other reports in local and national media that 75 militants were killed in one of the operations within this time period, in the same location.  It is unclear to the extent of the US involvement beyond the strike that they have declared.

There were no reports of civilian casualties from these strikes.

The Federal Republic of Somalia released a press release on September 19th 2022 which stated “Somali National Army has conducted offensive operations in Yasoman and Aborey in Hiran Region in the last 72 hours. SNA has killed in this operation more than 100 members of Al-Shabab who wre terrorising the local people. Air support from United States of America has assisted this operation led by SNA. The Government of Somalia appreciates the US Government for its continual support in the fight against terrorism and violent extremism.”

The US released a statement a few days later, on September 22nd, confirming that they conducted an airstrike in the Hiran region “at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia… against al-Shabaab terrorists who were attacking Somali National Army forces near Buulobarde.” The US military reported that the airstrike was during a battle between Al-Shabaab fighters and Somali government forces.

One local source on Twitter, @HassanIstilla reported that “four people, including traditional elders, were killed when their vehicle hit a landmine on Saturday (17th) near Buq-aqable district in Hiran region. Al-Shabab denied responsibility and claimed that a US airstrike killed them. AFRICOM, or SNA did not announce an airstrike in the region.” However, the US and SNA operation was announced by the SNA on 19th, and the US confirmed their involvement on the 22nd.

AFRICOM reported that it was the largest combined military operation in the region in five years.

The @SomaliGuardian reported on Twitter that “Al-Shabaab says that it has killed 18 soldiers, wounded 20 others in fighting with govt troops, under cover of US air support, near the twon of Boco in Hiran region. It adds that Gorgor commander in the region is among casualties. No comment from SNA.”

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    27–100

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (6) [ collapse]

  • US AFRICOM released press release declaring airstrike in the Hiran region, confirmed killing 27 militants on September 18th 2022 (Image via Twitter)
  • In one of the operations, Somali military said that it killed 75 militants in an operation on 18th September near Burlobade town (Image via @ShabelleMedia / Twitter)
  • In one of the operations, Somali military said that it killed 75 militants in an operation on 18th September near Burlobade town (Image via @ShabelleMedia / Twitter)
  • In one of the operations, Somali military said that it killed 75 militants in an operation on 18th September near Burlobade town (Image via @ShabelleMedia / Twitter)
  • In one of the operations, Somali military said that it killed 75 militants in an operation on 18th September near Burlobade town (Image via @ShabelleMedia / Twitter)
  • Press release from the Federal Republic of Somalia delcaring the operation and confirming the support of the US Forces (Image via @MOISOMALIA / Twitter)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Bulobarde, for which the generic coordinates are: 3.855029, 45.568398. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    27–100

Sources (17) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM350

Incident date

August 14, 2022

Location

Beledweyne, Hiran, Somalia

Geolocation

4.741004, 45.201998 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

On August 14th 2022 there were reports that a US airstrike killed 13 to 14 members of Al Shabaab in the town of Beledweyne, in Hiran region of central Somalia, as reported by a state-owned national television.  US AFRICOM confirmed this strike on August 17th in a statement which said that “US forces engage insurgents in support of the Federal Government of Somalia.”

There were no reports of civilian harm.

Garowe Online reported that initial reports in the media said that the airstrike left two militants dead and several hideouts destroyed, but it was later confirmed by Somalia state media that “over 13 militants were killed”, and that the attack happened at 2pm. Garowe Online reported:

“Today around 2 PM local time, two Al Shabaab terrorists were killed and their hideouts were destroyed in US airstrike to support the Somali National Army’s counterterrorism operations in Hiiraan region,” state media noted in a tweet without many details.

“The death toll of Al Shabaab terrorists who were killed in Sunday’s airstrike in Hiran region has reached 13 terrorists, officials have confirmed to State Media, ” the Somali National TV further reported, in one of the greatest crackdowns against the militants this year.”

@HBonline and the local news outlet, Somaliland, were the only sources to report that 14 Al Shabaab militants were killed in this attack, rather than 13.

It was noted in local and international media that there was no immediate US AFRICOM statement on this reported strike in its aftermath.

This strike is the second US AFRICOM incident in a week, with the last declared incident on August 9th (see USSOM349).

The incident occured at approximately 2:00 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    13–14

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • "Somalia’s troops say they have killed 14 #Alshabab members including their leader Mohamed Wasuge in an offensive operation near Mahas district, on Sunday. Earlier, the State Media had reported US airstrike in the region to support Somali Army’s counterterrorism operations." @HBNonline / Twitter
  • "Somalia’s troops say they have killed 14 #Alshabab members including their leader Mohamed Wasuge in an offensive operation near Mahas district, on Sunday. Earlier, the State Media had reported US airstrike in the region to support Somali Army’s counterterrorism operations." @HBNonline / Twitter
  • "Somalia’s troops say they have killed 14 #Alshabab members including their leader Mohamed Wasuge in an offensive operation near Mahas district, on Sunday. Earlier, the State Media had reported US airstrike in the region to support Somali Army’s counterterrorism operations." @HBNonline / Twitter

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Beledweyne, for which the generic coordinates are: 4.741004, 45.201998. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists that were actively attacking Somali National Army forces in a remote location near Teedaan, Somalia, Aug. 14.
The command’s initial assessment is that the strikes killed 13 al-Shabaab terrorists and that no civilians were injured or killed. U.S. forces are authorized to conduct strikes in defense of designated partner forces.
The Federal Government of Somalia and U.S. Africa Command take great measures to prevent civilian casualties. These efforts contrast with the indiscriminate attacks that al-Shabaab regularly conducts against the civilian population.
The Federal Government of Somalia and the U.S. remain committed to fighting al-Shabaab to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians.
Violent extremist organizations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to Somali, regional and U.S. interests.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    13–14

Sources (18) [ collapse]

Incident Code

TS545

Incident date

August 10, 2022

Location

قرية ملا سباط, Mulla Sibat village, Qamishli countryside, Al-Hassakah, Syria

Geolocation

36.920833, 40.773611 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One civilian was killed when a Turkish drone strike targeted a car in the village of Mulla Sibat in the countryside of Qamishli, Syria, on August 10th 2022. Between two and three militants were killed in the same strike.

A local source on Facebook, Qamishlo Republic, reported that Adeeb Nuri Hamsho from the village of Mulla Sibat headed towards the military vehicle that was bombed to try and rescue those in the car, when another shell hit him near the targeted vehicle, resulting in his death.

There were reports that two PKK/PYD militants were also killed in this attack, described by the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights as one leader and one member, while some sources said that three militants were killed.

South Front pointed out that the Syrian Arab Army (regime forces) maintain a post near the village of Mulla Sibat where a grain storage facility for the government is also located.

The SDF released a statement which stated that a “Turkish drone” hit the car at around 5pm on August 10th, killing two members and one civilian. The SDF statement reported that the militant names were Dijwar Kobane, a commander, and Bahour Radwan Anez, also known as Chey Kobane, in addition to pointing out that Dijwar had been involved in many battles against ISIS in different regions.

Anadolu Agency, the Turkish state-run news agency, reported that MIT (the National Intelligence Organization) acknowledged killing Muhsin Yağan, code-named “Dijvar Silopi”, the so-called Qamishli state director of the PKK/YPG, adding that he was the planner and implementer of many terrorists acts on the border line against security forces.

The incident occured at 17:00:00 local time.

The victims were named as:

Adeeb Nuri Hamsho
Adult male killed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Known target
    YPG/SDF
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–3

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (7) [ collapse]

  • Two SDF militants reportedly killed by Turkish strike on Qamalshi countryside on August 10th 2022 (Image via ANHA English)
  • Adeeb Nuri Hamsho, reportedly killed by a Turkish strike which targeted and killed two SDF members on August 10th 2022 (Image via Wamishlo Republic / Facebook)
  • Reported Turkish drone strike targeted SDF vehicle in Mulla Sibat, killing one civilian (Image via RIC Arabic)
  • Picture of the SDF vehicle that was targeted by a reported Turkish strike in Qamalshi countryside on August 10th 2022 (Image via Qamishlo)
  • A video documenting scenes of a Turkish march targeting a civilian car in the village of Mulla Sibat, south of Qamishlo, which resulted in casualties and injuries to civilians.
  • Muhsin Yağan, code-named "Dijvar Silopi", a member of the SDF killed by Turkish forces on August 10, 2022. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)
  • Muhsin Yağan, code-named "Dijvar Silopi", a member of the SDF killed by Turkish forces on August 10, 2022. (Image posted by Anadolu Agency)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Mulla Sibat (ملا سباط), for which the generic coordinates are: 36.920833, 40.773611. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Turkish Military Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    Turkish Military
  • Turkish Military position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    Yes
  • Civilians reported killed
    1
  • (1 man)
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Airwars civilian harm grading
    Fair
    Reported by two or more credible sources, with likely or confirmed near actions by a belligerent.
  • Known attacker
    Turkish Military
  • Known target
    YPG/SDF
  • Belligerents reported killed
    2–3

Sources (15) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM349

Incident date

August 9, 2022

Location

near Beledweyne, Hiiraan, Somalia

Geolocation

4.741004, 45.201998 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

Four Al-Shabaab members were killed by three declared US airstrikes near Beledweyne on August 9, 2022.

Somalia state media was the first to report on August 9th that “at the request of Somali Government, #US launched a strike in support of Somali National Army forces conducting counterterrorism operations in #Hiran region. There were no civilians harmed in this incident and the US said it will continue to support #Somalia.”

On the day of the strike, August 9th, local source Morad News reported that a US drone strike was reported in the Hiiraan region and local journalist @HarunMaruf also tweeted that the US strikes had occurred “at the request of the federal government of Somalia.”

The following day, August 10th, US AFRICOM released a statement that “In coordination with and in support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted three airstrikes against al-Shabaab terrorists who attacked Somali National Army Forces near Beledweyne, Somalia, August 9, 2022. The command’s initial assessment is that the strikes killed four al-Shabaab terrorists and that no civilians were injured or killed. U.S. forces are authorized to conduct strikes in defense of designated partner forces.”

A tweet from @wesleysmorgan pointed out that strikes in Somalia continue to be justified as collective self defense of Somalia or African Union partner forces, not counterterrorism HVT strikes.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    4

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention strikes in the vicinity of the city of Beledweyne, for which the generic coordinates are: 4.741004, 45.201998. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

In coordination with and in support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted three airstrikes against al-Shabaab terrorists who attacked Somali National Army Forces near Beledweyne, Somalia, August 9, 2022.
The command’s initial assessment is that the strikes killed four al-Shabaab terrorists and that no civilians were injured or killed. U.S. forces are authorized to conduct strikes in defense of designated partner forces.
The Federal Government of Somalia and U.S. Africa Command take great measures to prevent civilian casualties. These efforts contrast with the indiscriminate attacks that al-Shabaab regularly conducts against the civilian population.
The Federal Government of Somalia and the U.S. remain committed to fighting al-Shabaab to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians.
Violent extremist organizations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to Somali, regional and U.S. interests.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Drone Strike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Belligerents reported killed
    4

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM348

Incident date

July 17, 2022

Location

Labi-Kus, Lower Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

-0.355928, 42.546960 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

An AFRICOM declared US airstrike in coordination with Somali Army commandos resulted in the death of up to five Al-Shabab fighters near Labi-Kus village on July 17, 2022.

Somali National News Agency (SONNA), a Somali government-run news agency, tweeted that “three #Alshabab terrorists were killed and one was captured after Somali National Army’s commandos (#DANAB) attacked a roadblock which terrorists used to extort money from the local people near Labi-Kus village under #Kismayo town , on Sunday “. Graphic images accompanying the tweet show the bodies of two alleged members of Al-Shabab.

A tweet from Somali National Television (@sntvnews1) reported that two Al-Shabab fighters were killed in action in the vicinity of the Jubba River Valley and no civilians were killed, adding that the operation was carried out by the Somali National Army’s Danab brigade. Shabelle Media Network tweeted that five militants were killed and one was captured alive, and that at least four assault rifles and a PKM machine gun were also seized in the operation. Somaliweyn added that that intelligence that led to the operation was based on the movement of the weapons they seized.

Horseed Media specified that the Somali Forces that were involved was the the 5th Division, 16th Battalion and that a statement issued by the Danab military command said that they killed “least 5 members of Al-Shabaab, including the officer in charge of the area”. According to Kulmiye News Network, one of the militants killed was the “leader of Al-Shabaab in charge of financial affairs in this area, whose name was shortened to Ismail”.

AFRICOM released a statement on July18th stating that “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists after they attacked partner forces in a remote location near Libikus, Somalia July 17, 2022…The command’s initial assessment is that two al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in action and that no civilians were injured or killed given the remote nature of where this engagement occurred.” However, none of the reporting prior to the press release mention US involvement, with many sources, including the Somali government-run news agency (SONNA), indicating that Somali forces were responsible.

This was the second incident declared by AFRICOM since US President Joe Biden ordered the redeployment of troops to Somalia in May.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2–5

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (3) [ collapse]

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of the body of an alleged Al-Shabab member killed during a US and Somali operation in Lab-Kus village on July 17, 2022. (Image posted by @SONNALIVE)

  • This media contains graphic content. Click to unblur.

    Graphic image of the body of an alleged Al-Shabab member killed during a US and Somali operation in Lab-Kus village on July 17, 2022. (Image posted by @SONNALIVE)
  • Image of what may the goods seized during the UUS and Somali operation against an Al-Shabab roadblock in Labi-Kus on July 17, 2022. (Image posted by @SONNALIVE)

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Labi-Kus, allegedly located within the vicinity of Kismayo city. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Kismayo are: -0.355928, 42.546960.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists after they attacked partner forces in a remote location near Libikus, Somalia July 17, 2022.
U.S. forces are authorized to conduct strikes in defense of designated partner forces.
The command’s initial assessment is that two al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in action and that no civilians were injured or killed given the remote nature of where this engagement occurred.
The Federal Government of Somalia and U.S. Africa Command take great measures to prevent civilian casualties. These efforts contrast with the indiscriminate attacks that al-Shabaab regularly conducts against the civilian population.
The Federal Government of Somalia and the U.S. remain committed to fighting al-Shabaab to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians.
Violent extremist organizations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to Somali, regional and U.S. interests.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Cause of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported injured
    2–5

Sources (12) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM347

Incident date

June 3, 2022

Location

Yaaq-Zaluul, Beer Xaani, Somalia

Geolocation

0.218985, 42.177213 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Subdistrict level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) declared an airstrike in a remote location near Beer Xaani, in the vicinity of Yaaq-Zaluul, in Somalia on June 3rd 2022.  They declared that five Al-Shabaab militants were killed in this attack but that no civilians were injured or killed.

In local reports, this was repeated and there were no allegations of civilian harm in this strike.

AFRICOM released a statement which stated “The command’s initial assessment is that five al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in action and that no civilians were injured or killed given the remote nature of where this enagement occured.”

They mentioned that this strike was in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and it was conducted aganst Al-Shabaab militants after they attacked partner forces.  The Ministry of Information in Somalia also repeated this information in a statement released on Twitter.

Halgan Media reported that US troops and Somalia ground forces were ambushed west of the coastal city of Kismaayo in Somalia’s Lower Jubba privince. They reported that “during the midst of the ambush, US military aircraft believed to be an unmanned aerial vehicle commonly referred to as a drone carried out at an airstrike at the site of the ambush.”

This is the first known US strike since President Biden signed an order on May 16th, deploying hundreds of US troops back into Somalia.

Most of the sources were reporting information from official Somali or US sources.  This could be due to the remote location.  This assessment will be updated as we recieve more information.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    5

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • The Somalia Ministry of Information released a statement, declaring AFRICOM's strike on Al-Shabaab militants on June 3rd 2022.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Yaaq-Zaluul, allegedly within the locality of Beer Xaani. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further. The generic coordinates for Beer Xani are: 0.218985, 42.177213.

US Forces Assessment:

  • Known belligerent
    US Forces
  • US Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists after they attacked partner forces in a remote location near Beer Xaani, Somalia 3 June 2022. U.S. forces are authorized to conduct strikes in support of designated partner forces.

The command’s initial assessment is that five al-Shabaab terrorists were killed in action and that no civilians were injured or killed given the remote nature of where this engagement occurred.

The Federal Government of Somalia and U.S. Africa Command take great measures to prevent civilian casualties. These efforts contrast with the indiscriminate attacks that al-Shabaab regularly conducts against the civilian population.

The Federal Government of Somalia and the U.S. remain committed to fighting al-Shabaab to prevent the deaths of innocent civilians.

Violent extremist organizations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to the U.S. and regional interests.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Declared strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Known attacker
    US Forces
  • Known target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    5

Sources (10) [ collapse]