Civilian Casualties

Civilian Casualties

Incident Code

USSOM385

Incident date

May 20, 2023

Location

Jilib, Middle Juba, Somalia

Geolocation

0.493790, 42.776410 Note: The accuracy of this location is to City level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

One senior al-Shabaab militant was injured by declared US AFRICOM airstrikes on Jilib, Somalia on May 20, 2023.

Somali National News Agency’s Twitter account @SONNALIVE first announced that “In a joint operation with international allies, the armed forces launched an airstrike on #Jilib city, the headquarters of #AlShabab terrorists. The enemy suffered losses in terms of casualties and destroyed equipment.”

The next day, AFRICOM announced that “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, AFRICOM conducted an airstrike against the al-Shabaab militant network in Somalia on May 20, 2023. The strike occurred in Jilib, Somalia. Following a comprehensive battle damage assessment USAFRICOM assesses that one al-Shabaab fighter was injured as a result of the operation. The command’s assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed.”

Former al-Shabaab official Omar Mohamed Abu Ayan told Voice of America that Al-Shabaab’s head of external operations Osman Mohamed Abdi, known as Moallim Osmanat, was the target of the operation and appears to have survived the strike with an injury.

Somalia’s Ministry of Information said in a statement that the target Moallim oversaw bringing foreign fighters to Somalia to join al-Shabaab. Another Somali official said that he was involved in planning the al-Shabaab attack in January 2016 against an African Union military base manned by Kenyan forces in El Adde, which is the hometown of Moallim, as well as supervising al-Shabaab attacks on Kenya and their incursion into Ethiopia in 2022.

@HarunMaruf gave context that the strike occurred while the Director of Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency was visiting Washington and New York, meeting with the Pentagon, FBI and CIA Officials.

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
    1

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the city of Jilib, for which the generic coordinates are: 0.493790, 42.776410. 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, AFRICOM conducted an airstrike against the al-Shabaab militant network in Somalia on May 20, 2023.

The strike occurred in Jilib, Somalia.

*Following a comprehensive battle damage assessment USAFRICOM assesses that one al-Shabaab fighter was injured as a result of the operation. The command’s assessment is 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.

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
    1

Sources (11) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM384

Incident date

May 13, 2023

Location

Ali Fuuto, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

1.545015, 44.042082 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

44 al-Shabaab militants were killed during operations carried out by Somalia government forces and international partners in the Ali Fuuto area in Lower Shabelle on May 13, 2023.

Voice of America quoted Somalia’s deputy information minister, Abdirahman Al-Adala, who said that the intelligence unit, with the support of international partners, killed 44 al-Shabab militants in the Ali Fuuto area while they were regrouping in the area at the time. Various Twitter accounts quoted this information without offering additional details.

While no sources directly implicated the US in the operation, the Somali government’s reference to “international partners” has in the past indicated US involvement.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected attackers
    US Forces, Somali Military Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    44

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Ali Fuuto, for which the generic coordinates are: 1.545015, 44.042082. 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

Somali Military Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Somali Military Forces
  • Somali Military Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected attackers
    US Forces, Somali Military Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    44

Sources (6) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM383

Incident date

May 2, 2023

Location

near Nungare, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

2.047260, 44.897476 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

More than 40 al-Shabaab militants were killed during operations carried out by Somalia government forces and international partners near Nungare/ Barire town in Lower Shabelle on May 2, 2023.

The National Intelligence & Security Agency (NISA) @HSNQ_NISA tweeted that more than 40 al-Shabaab militants, including leaders and foreigners, were killed during an army operation in collaboration with international partners. The statement added that the al-Shabaab members were organizing themselves in the area in preparation for an attack.

Radio Kismaayo reported that 10 foreign fighters were among the al-Shabaab members killed and that the operation occurred near Nungare in the Afgoy district, Lower Shabelle region. @sntvnews1 identified the location as being farmland near Barire town.

While no sources directly implicated the US in the operation, the Somali government’s reference to “international partners” has in the past indicated US involvement.

The incident occured during the night.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected attackers
    Somali Military Forces, US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    40

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention farmland in the vicinity of the town of Barire, for which the generic coordinates are: 2.047260, 44.897476. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Somali Military Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Somali Military Forces
  • Somali Military Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

US Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected attackers
    Somali Military Forces, US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    40

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM382

Incident date

April 20, 2023

Location

between Ugunji and Mubarak villages, Lower Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

1.873068, 44.721608 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Additional Geolocations

1.916810, 44.772570 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least 20 al-Shabaab militants were killed and “dozens” of others were injured by an operation carried out by the Somali government and international security partners between the Ugunji and Mubarak areas of Lower Shabelle region on April 20, 2023.

The National Intelligence & Security Agency (NISA) announced that 20 al-Shabaab militants, including a ring leader, were killed in a planned operation carried out by the NISA and international security partners between the Ugunji and Mubarak areas of Lower Shabelle region. The statement added that the targeted al-Shabaab members had been organizing themselves in a forest area at the time of the operation and that some of the militants escaped.

According to Voice of America, NISA also announced that “dozens” of other al-Shabaab members were injured in the operation.

While no sources directly implicated the US in the operation, the Somali government’s reference to “international partners” has in the past indicated US involvement.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected attackers
    Somali Military Forces, US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention a forested area between the village of Ugunji and the town of Mubarak. The generic coordinates for Ugunji are: 1.873068, 44.721608. The generic coordinates for Mubarak are: 1.916810, 44.772570. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Somali Military Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Somali Military Forces
  • Somali Military Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

US Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected attackers
    Somali Military Forces, US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab

Sources (4) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM381

Incident date

March 3, 2023

Location

Turdho village, Lower Jubba, Somalia

Geolocation

-0.076498, 42.723166 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Village level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

13 al-Shabaab militants were killed during operations allegedly carried out by the Somali National Army Danab Special Forces with the aid of the US Africa Command and the Jubbaland State Forces in Turdho village of Lower Jubba on March 3, 2022.

Garowe Online reported that an operation carried out by the Danab Special Forces with the aid of the US Africa Command resulted in the death of a senior al-Shabaab commander and 12 other militants. Arab Dheeg Ahmed, the commander of the 5th Brigade of the Somali National Army, announced that Aruriyow Mohamed Omar alias Ahmed Salah, who was responsible for coordinating al-Shabaab’s activities in Lower Jubba, was killed during the operation in Turdho village.

The Somali National News Agency (SONNA) similarly reported on the death of senior leader among 13 other members of al-Shabaab, attributing the raid to Somali National Army’s Danab Commandos and the Jubbaland State Forces.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected attackers
    Somali Military Forces, US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    13

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the village of Turdho, for which the generic coordinates are: -0.076498, 42.723166. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

Somali Military Forces Assessment:

  • Suspected belligerent
    Somali Military Forces
  • Somali Military Forces position on incident
    Not yet assessed

US Forces Assessment:

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

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected attackers
    Somali Military Forces, US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    13

Sources (2) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM380

Incident date

February 28, 2023

Location

Buurweyn, Hiraan, Somalia

Geolocation

3.591953, 45.552965 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Town level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

More than 10 alleged al-Shabaab militants were killed by Somalia government forces and international partners in the Burweyn area of Hiraan region on February 28, 2023.

A tweet from @HSNQ_NISA, the National Intelligence & Security Agency (NISA) of Somalia, announced that “more than” 10 [al-Shabaab members] including leaders were killed in an army operation by NISA with the help of international partners in the Burweyn area of Hiraan region.

@RashidMohamedK2 added that the high value target of the raid was Ibnu Bashir, a senior al-Shabaab member.

There were no other details available as to who was involved in the operation and the resulting casualties.

While no sources directly implicated the US in the operation, the Somali government’s reference to “international partners” has in the past indicated US involvement.

The incident occured at approximately 4:00 pm local time.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    10

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Media
from sources (1) [ collapse]

  • Statement from Somali government on operation carried out February 28th, 2023.

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the town of Buurweyn, for which the generic coordinates are: 3.591953, 45.552965. 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
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    10

Sources (5) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM378

Incident date

February 21, 2023

Location

Cadaley, Middle Shabelle, Somalia

Geolocation

2.400670, 45.256550 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Nearby landmark level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

42 al-Shabaab militants were reportedly killed by Somali forces and “international partner” operations in Cadaley near Mahaday district in Middle Shabelle on February 21, 2022.

Somali National News Agency @SONNALIVE announced that the Somali National Army supported by regional forces and International partners killed 42 al-Shabaab militants in Cadaley near Mahaday district.

According to Islam Times News, quoting the Somali government, the operation lasted 30 hours.

No other details were available on the operation or casualties.

AFRICOM announced airstrikes in a different region near Galmudug on the same day, February 21st, that resulted in the death of seven al-Shabaab militants.

While no sources directly implicated the US in the operation, the Somali government’s reference to “international partners” has in the past indicated US involvement.

The local time of the incident is unknown.

Summary

  • Strike status
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    42

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the locality of Cadaley, for which the generic coordinates are: 2.400670, 45.256550. 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
    Contested strike
  • Strike type
    Airstrike, Ground operation
  • Civilian harm reported
    No
  • Civilians reported killed
    Unknown
  • Causes of injury / death
    Heavy weapons and explosive munitions, Small arms and light weapons
  • Suspected attacker
    US Forces
  • Suspected target
    Al-Shabaab
  • Belligerents reported killed
    42

Sources (3) [ collapse]

Incident Code

USSOM377

Incident date

February 21, 2023

Location

Galmudug, Somalia

Geolocation

5.431001, 47.291339 Note: The accuracy of this location is to Province/governorate level. Continue to map

Airwars assessment

At least seven alleged al-Shabaab militants were killed by declared US airstrikes near Galmudug, Somalia on February 21, 2023.

AFRICOM released a statement on February 22nd that “At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of Somali National Army engagements against al-Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike on Feb 21, 2023. The strike occurred in a remote area near Galmudug, Somalia which is approximately 510 km northeast of Mogadishu. The initial assessment is the strike killed 7 al-Shabaab fighters. Given the remote location of the operation, the command assesses that no civilians were injured or killed.”

Garowe Online added that prior to the announcement by AFRICOM, Somali officials had hinted at the airstrikes and stated that they were against senior al-Shabaab officials. Islam Times News quoted Somali government officials who announced that the Somali military with support from Galmudug regional forces killed over 80 al-Shabaab militants in Shabeelow, Mudug region. It is unclear if this is the same operation AFRICOM is referencing due to their lack of a specific location.

Task and Purpose pointed out that no information was given in the statement as to whether the strike was carried out by a manned of unmanned aircraft, or what ordnance was used.

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 killed
    7

Sources (10) [ collapse]

Geolocation notes

Reports of the incident mention the state of Galmudug, for which the generic coordinates are: 5.431001, 47.291339. Due to limited satellite imagery and information available to Airwars, we were unable to verify the location further.

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US Forces Assessment:

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

Original strike reports

US Forces
Official source

At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia and in support of Somali National Army engagements against al-Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense strike on Feb 21, 2023.

The strike occurred in a remote area near Galmudug, Somalia which is approximately 510 km northeast of Mogadishu.

The initial assessment is the strike killed 7 al-Shabaab fighters.

Given the remote location of the operation, the command assesses that no civilians were injured or killed.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has publicly stated that economic reform, social and political reconciliation, and religious tolerance are key pillars of his strategy to mobilize society against international terrorism. Military actions are just one part of the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts to comprehensively address their security challenges.

The U.S. is one of several countries providing humanitarian aid, stabilization efforts, economic development, and military assistance to the Federal Government of Somalia in their ongoing campaign.

U.S. Africa Command is the defense arm of the U.S. whole-of-government approach with African partners -- diplomacy, development and defense. This three-pronged, or “3D” approach brings together multiple agencies from within the U.S. government to increase cooperation and support for partner-led, U.S.-enabled solutions to shared security challenges, including violent extremism or terrorism.

Somalia remains central to stability and security in all of East Africa. U.S. Africa Command's forces train, advise, and assist partner forces to help give them the tools they need to defeat al-Shabaab, the largest and most deadly al-Qaeda network in the world.

U.S. Africa Command and partner forces will continue to assess the results of this 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.

The Federal Government of Somalia and U.S. Africa Command will continue to take great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command's operations to promote greater security for all Africans.

To view the U.S. Africa Command Quarterly Civilian Casualty reports, visit: https://www.africom.mil/what-we-do/airstrikes/civilian-casualty-report

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
    7

Sources (10) [ collapse]