American military intervention in Somalia (2007–present)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Jump to navigation Jump to search
American military intervention in Somalia
Part of War on Terror
Operation Enduring Freedom – Horn of Africa during the Somali Civil War
MQ-9 Reaper 2.jpg
MQ-9 Reaper drone, commonly used over Somalia by U.S. forces.
DateJanuary 7, 2007 – ongoing
Location
Somalia
Status Limited operations as of 2021
Belligerents

United States

In support of:

 Somalia

al-Shabaab
Al-Qaeda

Hizbul Islam (until 2009–10; 2012–14)

Islamic State in Somalia

Commanders and leaders

United States Joe Biden (2021–present)
United States Lapthe Flora (2020–present)
United States Donald Trump (2017–2021)

United States Barack Obama (2009–2017)

Ahmad Umar
(Emir of al-Shabaab)
Fuad Qalaf (former)
Abu Mansur Surrendered
Moktar Ali Zubeyr †
Hassan Abdullah Hersi al-Turki Surrendered
Mohamed Said Atom Surrendered
Ibrahim Haji Jama Mee'aad  Executed[1]
Hassan Dahir Aweys  Surrendered
Omar Iman (former)
Abu Mansoor Al-Amriki †
Abu Musa Mombasa (former)
Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan †
Fazul Abdullah Mohammed †

Islamic State Sheikh Abdul Qadir Mumin
(leader of ISS)
Islamic State Abu Ibrahim al-Hashimi al-Qurashi
(ISIL caliph from 2019)
Islamic State Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi †
(ISIL caliph until 2019)
Islamic State Mahad Maalin †
(ISS deputy)

Islamic State Abdihakim Mohamed Ibrahim ("Dhoqob") †
(ISS deputy)
Strength
600 personnel (Sept. 2020)[2] Al-Shabaab: 7,000–9,000 fighters (Dec 2017)[3]
Casualties and losses
2 service members killed[4][5]
1 CIA paramilitary officer killed		 575+ killed (2017–18)[6][7]
116 militants killed (2019) (per AFRICOM)
1,372–1,670 militants killed (per New America)[8][9]
1,185–1,313 militants killed (per The Bureau of Investigative Journalism)
34–113 civilians killed (per New America)[10]
12–97 civilians killed (per The Bureau of Investigative Journalism)[11]
22 Galmudug soldiers mistakenly killed
78–153 civilians killed (per Airwars)[12]

Beginning in the late 2000s, the United States Military has supported the Federal Government of Somalia in counterterrorism as part of the ongoing Global War on Terror that began in wake of the September 11th attacks. Support, mostly in the form of drone and airstrikes, advising, training, and intelligence, increased during the Obama administration and Trump administration, with hundreds of drone strikes targeting the terrorist group al-Shabaab. Two U.S. special operations personnel and a CIA paramilitary officer have died during operations in Somalia.

In late 2020, US President Donald Trump announced that he would pull most US troops out of Somalia by 15 January 2021.[13] On January 17th, 2021, the US Military announced that its troop drawdown had completed.[14] Training of allied forces, limited airstrikes, and special operations activity continues.

In May 2022, according to a government spokesman, President Joe Biden has accepted a request from the Pentagon to redeploy US soldiers to Somalia in order to combat the terrorist group Al-Shabaab.[15]

US airstrikes on Somalia[edit]

Since 2007, the United States military has targeted militant groups, mainly Al-Shabaab, within Somalia using airstrikes including targeted drone strikes and missiles launched from naval ships alongside special forces raids and advising. Airstrikes were ramped up dramatically under the Trump administration and further targeting the Islamic State.

According to Robert Moore, a public policy advisor, there is a school called Responsibility to Protect (R2P) that demands "military force should be used for humanitarian purposes, especially in mass-casualty conflicts,” which he suggests as a reason for the United States' intervention in Somalia.[16]

Timeline[edit]

2007[edit]

US forces conducted three strikes in Somalia during 2007 killing a minimum of 21 people including two civilians.

  • January 7

A U.S. Air Force AC-130 gunship operating under JSOC targeted a suspected al-Qaeda convoy. The strike killed various potential fighters including Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, and Sudanese explosive expert Abu Talha al Sudani known as Tariq Abdullah. The convoy had been tracked at night by a MQ-1 Predator drone. An estimated 5–10 militants were killed and 4-5 injured. A joint U.S.–Ethiopian team landed at the strike location shortly after and confirmed at least 8 killed.[17][18] According to the U.S. Department of Defense, the militants killed in this strike were connected to the 1998 embassy bombings in Kenya and Tanzania.[19]

  • January 9

Four towns near the southern city of Ras Kamboni were targeted by an AC-130 gunship. The strike which was targeting a training camp and al-Qaeda associates, reportedly left 4–31 people killed. The intended target was thought to be Fazul Abdullah Mohammed, the target of a previous airstrike.[20] Another strike was reported near Afmadow in which 22–31 people were reported killed.[21]

  • January 23

At 4:00 a.m., an AC-130 gunship operating from an airbase in eastern Ethiopia, targeted the town of Waldena in an attempt to kill Ahmed Madobe. Madobe survived the airstrike but was later captured by American and Ethiopian forces who landed by helicopter at 10:00 a.m.[20]

  • June 1

The USS Chafee fired a dozen rounds and possibly one cruise missile on the coast of Bargal, in northern Somalia. The strikes were targeting 35 militants that had landed on the coast and had begun to fire on local forces. U.S. officials told The New York Times that U.S. operatives were on the ground, leading to the American warship firing in self-defense. 8–12 militants, including some foreign fighters were killed.

2008[edit]

  • March 3

1–3 cruise missiles were launched by United States at the town of Dhobley in southern Somalia, four miles from the Kenyan border. The strike was targeting the leader of the Ras Kamboni Brigades known as Hassan Turki, and al-Qaeda member Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan. At the time, Saleh Alii was the subject of a $25 million bounty placed on him by the United States government.

  • May 1

Four cruise missiles launched by a U.S. Navy warship struck a compound in Dhusamareb, in central Somalia. The strike killed senior al-Shabaab leader Aden Hashi Ayro and several other fighters. Reports suggest that an AC-130 was also involved in the operation. The attack purportedly caused al-Shabaab to ban the use of mobile phones by its fighters.[20]

2009[edit]

  • September 14

Operation Celestial Balance – After several strikes by warplanes, U.S. commandos launch a helicopter raid near the southern coastal town of Barawa, killing Saleh Ali Saleh Nabhan after his convoy was tracked as it left Mogadishu to attend a meeting between Islamic militants.[20][22]

2011[edit]

  • April 3–6

During fighting in Dhobley between Somali forces and al-Shabaab militants, an airstrike took place which killed al-Qaeda commander Jabreel Malik Muhammed. This followed an eighteen month long gap in U.S. strikes in the area.[20]

  • June 23

In the first reported lethal drone strike conducted in Somalia, U.S. forces struck a training camp south of Kismayo, which supposedly resulted in the death of senior al Shabaab leader, Ibrahim al-Afghani. However, Stratfor reported in August that Afghani was still alive and had replaced Ahmed Abdi Godane as the emir of al-Shabaab. Afghani has not appeared in the public since.[20]

  • July 6

Early in the morning, U.S. drones hit three al-Shabaab training camps in Afmadow. It was not confirmed if the United States was responsible for the attack.[20]

  • September 15

Three explosions are heard after Kismayo residents reported aircraft flying over the town. Residents report the aircraft having struck at a forested area where militants are believed to have established a training camp. The aircraft are most likely American warplanes.[20]

  • September 25

Series of drone strikes target al-Shabaab militant in Kismayo.[20]

  • October 6

Drone strike targets al-Shabaab militants who were retreating into Dolbiyow Village. The attack killed 4 Somali farmers.[20]

  • October 13

Drone strike against an al Shabaab base near Tabda village.[20]

  • October 22

US drone attacked on Afmadow.[20]

  • October 23

US and French airstrikes in Kismayo.[20]

2012[edit]

  • January 21

Three missiles fired by a drone target and kill the British–Lebanese militant Bilal al-Berjawi known as Abu Hafsa while he is driving in a car outside Mogadishu.[20]

  • February 24

US drone strike targeting a vehicle carrying a senior commander kills 7 militants in Lower Shabelle, including a prominent Moroccan, and a deputy of Bilah al-Berjawi.[23]

  • August 23

US airstrikes reportedly conducted into the town of Qandala.[20]

2013[edit]

  • October 28

2 Islamists killed in drone attack including senior al-Shabaab leader Ibrahim Ali Abdi.[20]

2014[edit]

  • September 1

US drones and conventional aircraft target al-Shabaab encampments and vehicles. Leader Ahmed Abdi Godane was killed in the strike.[20]

  • December 29

US drone strike kills senior leader of al-Shabaab known as Abdishakur, the group's intelligence chief.[24]

2015[edit]

  • January 31

45-60 al-Shabaab members are reported killed in a US drone strike in Lower Shabelle, after explosions rock a training camp, a house, and several armored vehicles. The U.S. denies its involvement in the strikes. It is the most lethal American attack in Somalia against radical Islamists to date.[20]

In a second strike, senior al-Shabaab leader Yusef Dheeq and an associate are killed while riding in a vehicle.[25]

  • March 10

US drones target two al-Shabaab training camps.[20]

  • March 12

Adan Garaar, senior member of al-Shabaab and suspect in the Kenyan Westgate shopping mall attack, is killed in drone strike that destroyed two vehicles.[20]

  • July 15–18

Drone strikes in Bardera.[20]

  • November 22

US strike targets an al-Shabaab base in southern Somalia.[20]

  • November 29

Either Kenyan or American planes bomb 3 villages in central Hiraan.[20]

  • December 2

Senior al-Shabaab fighter Abdirahman Sandhere (Ukash) killed in airstrike.[20]

  • December 22

al-Shabaab leader Abu Ubaidah killed in drone strike.[20]

2016[edit]

US forces conducted 15 airstrikes in Somalia during 2016

  • March 5

A massive U.S. airstrike involving multiple aircraft, manned and unmanned, targeted a training camp near the town of Raso (Buloburde District) killing an estimated 150 al-Shabaab militants. According to U.S. military officials, the American warplanes struck a large gathering of fighters as they were massing in preparation for an attack.[20][26][27]

  • March 8

US helicopter assist Somali Special Forces who had attacked an al-Shabaab target in southern Somalia.[28]

  • March 31

US drone strike target 3 al-Shabaab vehicles in southern Somalia.[20]

  • April 1

US airstrikes against al-Shabaab militants.[20]

  • April 2

2 US strikes leave 6 people killed in southern Somalia.[20]

  • April 6

US drone strike in Jilib leaves 8 people dead.[20]

  • April 11

US drone strike attacks an al-Shabaab camp in southern Somalia killing 12 militants.[20]

  • May 9–10

The United States, alongside Kenyan and Somali forces, conducted a raid in Toratorow. It is reported that helicopters were also used in the raid.

  • May 12

US airstrike kills 5 al-Shabaab members.[20]

  • May 27

Senior al-Shabaab leader Abdullahi Haji Daud killed in drone strike.[20]

  • June 11

Reportedly, US jets struck al Shabaab targets in the northern autonomous region of Puntland.[20]

  • June 21

3 al-Shabaab members killed in drone strike.[20]

  • August 30

Two militants are killed in drone strike near Gobanale.[20]

  • September 5

Four militants are killed near the town of Tortoroow, in two "self-defense" strikes.[20]

  • September 26

U.S. officials say four al-Shabaab fighters were killed by airstrikes after they attacked a joint U.S.-Somali force near Kismayo.[20]

  • September 28

U.S. aircraft mistakenly target local militia members in the Puntland region, killing at least 22 Galmudug soldiers, as well as some Islamist fighters. The strike led to demonstrations in Galkayo that saw protesters burn the American flag.[20][29]

2017[edit]

US forces conducted 35 airstrikes in Somalia during 2017

  • January 7

Self defense strike against AL-Shabaab militants in Gaduud. No fatalities

  • May 5

A US Navy Seal was killed and three others wounded including a Somali-American interpreter during a raid in Barii. Four to eight Al-Shabaab militants were killed in the raid. It would be the first time a US service member died by combat in Somalia since 1993[30][4][31][32]

  • June 11

Airstrike killed eight Al-Shabaab militants 185 miles Southwest of Mogadishu[33][34]

  • July 2

Kinetic strike killed one Al-Shabaab militant in Lower Shabelle region.[35]

  • July 5

Self defense strike 300 miles Southwest of Mogadishu killed 13 Al-Shabaab militants and wounded 10 more. The strike came after a Somali military base was attacked.[36]

  • July 29

Kinetic strike killed one Al-Shabaab fighter later identified as Ali Muhammad in Southern Somalia.[37]

  • August 10

US forces conducted two kinetic strikes killing unknown

  • August 16–17

Three defense strikes killed seven Al-Shabaab militants 200 miles Southwest of Mogadishu. The strikes were called in after US and Somali special forces were fired upon while conducting a counter terrorism operation. Reports stated that seven civilians had been killed by warplanes in Jilib. AFRICOM denied the allegations and called the reports "unreliable".[38][39][40]

  • August 25

US and Somali commandoes reportedly killed 10 unarmed civilians including three children and a woman during a raid. The Somali Army admitted to mistakenly killing the civilians. Africa Command denied the casualty allegations stating that only enemy combatants were killed in the raid.[41]

  • August 31

Drone strike near Barawe killed an Al-Shabaab and injured one other fighter.[42]

  • September 5

Precision strike killed three Al-Shabaab militants in Central Somalia

  • September 7

Precision strike killed one Al-Shabbab militant

  • September 13

Three precision airstrikes killed six Al-Shabaab militants in Southern Somalia

  • November 3

Up to 20 ISIS fighters killed by airstrikes in Puntland, Northeastern Somalia. It is believed to have been the first time the US targeted the Islamic State in Somalia

  • November 9

Several Al-Shabaab militants killed by an airstrike in Southern Somalia

  • November 10

US airstrike killed up to 13 Al-Shabaab militants according to Somali official in Lower Shabelle

  • November 11

One Al-Shabaab fighter killed by airstrike near Gaduud

  • November 14

Several Al-Shabaab militants killed by airstrike 60 miles Northwest of Mogadishu

  • November 9–14

Airstrikes killed up to 40 militants per United States Africa Command

  • November 21

Airstrike targeting an Al-Shabaab training camp killed over 100 militants 125 miles Northwest of Mogadishu[43][44][45]

  • November 27

One ISIS fighter killed by airstrike in Northeastern Somalia

  • December 12

Airstrike destroyed a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device 65 kilometers Southwest of Mogadishu

  • December 15

Airstrike killed eight Al-Shabaab fighters and destroyed one vehicle 30 miles Northwest of Mogadishu

  • December 24

Airstrike in Southern Somalia killed 13 Al-Shabaab militants

  • December 27

Airstrike killed four Al-Shabaab militants and destroyed one vehicle-borne improvised explosive device, 25 kilometers west of Mogadishu[6]

2018[edit]

US forces conducted 47 airstrikes in Somalia during 2018, killing between 326 and 338 people[46][47]

  • January 2

Airstrike killed two Al-Shabaab militants and destroyed one vehicle-borne explosive 50 kilometers West of Mogadishu

  • January 18

Airstrike killed four Al-Shabaab militants 50 kilometers Northwest of Kismayo

  • February 19

Airstrike killed three Al-Shabaab militants in Jilib

  • February 21

Airstrike killed five Al-Shabaab militants in Jamaame

  • February 26

Airstrike killed two Al-Shabaab militants and wounded one in Jilib

  • March 13

Airstrike in Jamecco killed 12 Al-Shabaab militants and injured 15.

  • March 19

Airstrike against Al-Shabaab militants killed two, wounded three, and destroyed one vehicle in near Mubaarak

  • April 1

Airstrike near El Burr killed four Al-Shabaab militants and two civilians. It would be the first time the US Military would acknowledge civilians deaths in Somalia.[48][49][50]

  • April 5

Airstrike near jilib killed three Al-Shabaab militants and destroyed one vehicle

  • April 11

Airstrike destroyed an Al-Shabaab vehicle-borne explosive device near Jana Cabdalle

  • May 23

Airstrike killed 10 Al-Shabaab militants 15 miles Southwest of Mogadishu

  • May 31

Airstrike killed 12 Al-Shabaab militants 30 miles Southeast of Mogadishu

  • June 2

Airstrike killed 27 Al-Shabaab militants 26 miles Southwest of Bosasso

  • June 8

One US soldier killed, four wounded and one partner force wounded in Al-Shabaab mortar attack in Jubaland[5][51][52][53][54]

  • August 2

Four Al-Shabaab militants killed by airstrike 74 miles Northwest of Mogadishu

  • August 21

Airstrike killed two Al-Shabaab militants 46 kilometers Northeast of Kismayo

  • August 27

Three Al-Shabaab militants killed by airstrike 40 kilometers Southwest of Mogadishu

  • September 11

Two Al-Shabaab militants killed and one wounded by airstrike in Mubaraak

  • September 21

Airstrike killed 18 Al-Shabaab militants 50 kilometers Northwest of Kismayo

  • October 1

Nine Al-Shabaab militants killed and one wounded by airstrike 40 kilometers Northwest of Kismayo

  • October 6

Airstrike kills one Al-Shabaab militant in Kunyo Barrow

  • October 12

Airstrike in Harardere killed around 60 Al-Shabaab militants. It was the largest strike in Somalia since November 2017[55][56][57]

  • October 14

Self-defense strike killed four Al-Shabaab militants in Araara

  • October 25

Airstrike killed two Al-Shabaab militants and wounded one in Kunyo Barrow

  • November 3

Self-defense strike killed four Al-Shabaab militants in Araara

  • November 19

Two airstrikes killed 37 Al-Shabaab militants and destroy one training camp in Debatscile[58][59] These strikes put the number of US airstrikes in Somalia to 31 during the year 2018.

  • November 20

Airstrike in Quy Cad killed seven Al-Shabaab militants

  • November 21

Airstrike in Harardhere killed six Al-Shabaab militants.[60] A second strike would destroy an Al-Shabaab weapons cache in Harardhere

  • November 27

Airstrike in Debatscile (Hobyo District) killed three Al-Shabaab militants

  • November 30

Airstrike killed nine Al-Shabaab militants near Lebede (Burhakaba District)

  • December 4

Self-defense strike killed four Al-Shabaab militants in Awdheegle

  • December 9

Self-defense strike killed four Al-Shabaab militants in Basra

  • December 15

Four airstrikes in Gondershe targeting camp and vehicles killed 34 Al-Shabaab militants[61][62][63][64]

  • December 16

Two airstrikes in Gandarshe kill 28 Al-Shabaab militants[65][66][67]

  • December 19

Two airstrikes in Beled Amin killed 11 Al-Shabaab militants[68][7]

2019[edit]

US forces have conducted a record of more than 60 airstrikes in Somalia during 2019, killing 913–1,011 Al-Shabaab militants[69]

  • January 2

Airstrike killed 10 Al-Shabaab militants in Dheerow Sanle (Dinsoor District)

  • January 7

Two self-defense strikes killed four Al-Shabaab militants in Baqdaad[70][71]

  • January 8

Airstrike killed six Al-Shabaab militants and destroyed one vehicle in Yaaq Braawe, Bay Region

  • January 19

Airstrike targeted a large group of Al-Shabaab fighters attacking Somali National Army troops near Jilib killing 52 militants[72][73][74][75][76][77]

  • January 23

Two airstrikes were conducted in Jilib with at least one Al-Shabaab militant killed. Africa Command also announced that it would no longer release casualty details from its operations with journalist and news agency's having to refer to the Somali Government for casualty details. They would later undo the decision.[78][79]

  • January 30

Airstrike on an Al-Shabaab encampment in the vicinity of Shebeeley in the Hiran Region killed 24 militants[80]

  • February 1

Airstrike in the village of Gandarshe in the Lower Shebelle Region killed 13 Al-Shabaab militants[81]

  • February 6

Airstrike in the vicinity of Gandarshe in the Lower Shabelle Region killed 11 Al-Shabaab militants

  • February 7

Airstrike in the vicinity of Bariire (Afgooye District) killed four Al-Shabaab militants[82][83][84][85]

  • February 8

Airstrike in Kobon near Kismayo killed eight Al-Shabaab militants[86]

  • February 11

Two airstrikes in Janaale, Lower Shabelle Region killed 12 Al-Shabaab militants. The first strike killed eight while the second killed four. The strikes were executed as Somali forces were conducting an operation in the region an AFRICOM press release stated. Al-Shabaab claimed that the strikes hit civilian homes but did not give a casualty number.[87][88]

  • February 23

US forces conducted four airstrikes, two were conducted in Qunyo Barrow (Jilib District) and two were conducted in Awdheegle and near Janalle. The strikes targeted Al-Shabaab facilities and checkpoints and killed two militants according to an AFRICOM press release. Al-Shabaab claimed that one of the strikes killed a 20-day-old baby and his father.[89][90]

  • February 24

Airstrike targeted Al-Shabaab militants 23 miles East of Beledweyne in the Hiran Region. The strike killed 35 militants who were "transitioning between locations" according to an AFRICOM press release.[91][92][93][94][95]

  • February 25

Airstrike near Shebeeley in the Hiran Region killed 20 Al-Shabaab militants[96]

  • February 28

Airstrike in the Hiran Region killed 26 Al-Shabaab militants bringing the number of airstrikes in Somalia conducted by US forces during 2019 to 24.[97][98][99][100]

  • March 11

Somali soldiers and US advisors were fired upon in Darasalam, Qoriyoley District, a self-defense strike in response would kill eight Al-Shabaab militants. No US or Somali soldiers were harmed[46]

  • March 12

Airstrike in Huley, Burhakaba District, killed two Al-Shabaab militants[101]

  • March 13

Self-Defence strike in support of Somali National Security Forces in Malayle, Lower Juba Region, killed three Al-Shabaab militants according to an AFRICOM press release.[102][103]

  • April 14

Airstrike managed to kill Abdulhakim Dhuqub, a high ranking ISIS-Somalia official, near Xiriiro, Iskushuban District.[104]

  • July 27

A militant that AFRICOM believed to play a valuable role in the Islamic State in Somalia group was killed during an airstrike in the Golis Mountains of Puntland.[105]

  • August 20

Airstrike in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow, Jilib District, killing one terrorist.[106]

  • October 1

Airstrike killed nine suspected militants and injured another, after al-Shabaab attacked Somali government forces about 40 kilometers northeast of Kismayo in Lower Juba Province.[107]

  • October 6

Airstrike near Qunyo Barrow, Jilib District, killing one terrorist.[107]

  • October 25

Airstrike targeted Islamic militants near Ameyra, south of Bosaso, which killed three of their leaders.[108]

  • November 19

Airstrike near Qunyo Barrow, Jilib District killing one terrorist.[109]

  • December 16

Airstrike in Dujuuma, Bu'ale District, killing one terrorist.

  • December 30

Airstrikes, in the villages of Qunyo Barrow (Jilib District) and Aliyow Barrow (Balcad district), killed four Al-Shabaab militants and destroyed two vehicles, following the Mogadishu bombing.[110]

2020[edit]

As of April 2020, US forces have conducted 32 airstrikes in Somalia.[111]

  • February

A U.S. airstrike killed Bashir Mohamed Mahamoud, also known by the alias Bashir Qorgab, who was a military commander of al-Shabaab on 22 February in Saakow, Middle Juba region.[112] The Rewards for Justice used to offer a $5 million reward for information that brings him to justice since 2008.[113]

Another airstrike killed an employee of the telecoms Hormuud Telecom. It was aimed at al-Shabaab in Jilib, Middle Juba.[114]

  • March

A press release from the U.S. Africa Command indicates that an airstrike was carried out near Janaale that killed five terrorists without any civilian casualties. However, a news outlet spoke with residents of Janaale who indicated that a 13-year-old boy and an elderly disabled man were killed on the attack, wherein a missile struck a mini-bus. A member of the Somali Parliament, Mahad Dore, confirmed the attack and that civilians were killed.[115] After Amnesty International accused the US military of providing no accountability for civilian victims of airstrikes, Africom's commander announced on March 31 that quarterly reports detailing civilian death allegations would be included in the future, along with investigation progress of those claims. An Airwars spokesperson responded by saying that militaries conduct post-strike investigations from the air with few ground assessments.[111]

  • April

A U.S. airstrike killed three extremists including a senior leader, Yusuf Jiis, near Bush Madina in the Bay region on 2 April.[116] Another airstrike killed five al-Shabab members near Jilib on 6 April.[117]

  • August

Somalian authorities mentioned that a U.S. drone strike killed a high-ranking member of al-Shabab, Abdel Kader Othman,[118] near the southwestern town of Kurtunwarey (Kurtunwarey District).[119]

  • September

A U.S. Military advisor was injured and three Somali special forces personal were killed during an al-Shabab vehicle-borne and mortar attack on a U.S. and Somali partner force in the vicinity of Jana Cabdalle (Afmadow District) on September 7.[120][121]

  • December
U.S. Marines with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit at Baledogle Airfield during Operation Octave Quartz, the operation to disperse U.S. forces across East Africa by the Trump administration, 22 December 2020

President Donald Trump ordered the Department of Defense to remove the majority of the 700 U.S. military troops in Somalia from the country in December 2020.[122]

2021[edit]

  • January 17

U.S. Africa Command affirms that the United States has completed its troop withdrawal from Somalia.[123]

  • January 19

Airstrikes in Jamaame and Deb Scinnele (Wanlaweyn District) killed three al-Shabaab militants[124]

  • July 20

The U.S. carried out its first airstrike in Somalia under the Biden administration against al-Shabaab militants near Galkayo.[125]

  • July 23

The U.S. military conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab militants near Galmudug.[126]

  • August 1

The U.S. military conducted an airstrike in the vicinity of Qeycad (Harardhere District) targeted al-Shabaab militants who were engaging members of the Danab.[127]

  • August 24

U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab fighters engaged in active combat with Somali forces.[128]

2022[edit]

  • February 23 and 24

U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists after they attacked Somali forces in a remote location near Duduble (Wanlaweyn District) on February 22.[129]

  • May 17

President Biden approved Pentagon's request to redeploy US Troops in Somalia. The official said that "under 500" troops will be sent back to the country.[130]

  • July 17

U.S Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists, killing two, after they "attacked partner forces in a remote location near Libikus, Somalia."[131]

  • August 9

U.S Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists who "attacked Somali National Army Forces near Beledweyne, Somalia" [132][133]

  • August 14

U.S Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab terrorists near Teedaan, Somalia to support Somali troops carrying out military operations against Al Shabaab in Hiran region, killing 13 Al Shabaab fighters.[134][133][135] It was soon afterwards reported that the Somali National Army successfully captured Al Shabaab's biggest base, which was located in the region.[136][137]

  • September 18

Airstrike near Buulobarde kills 27 al-Shabaab terrorists attacking Somali National Army forces.[138] The defensive strikes allowed the Somali National Army and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia forces to regain the initiative and continue the operation to disrupt al-Shabaab in the Hiraan region of central Somalia.[138] This operation against al-Shabaab is reported to be the largest combined Somali and ATMIS offensive operation in five years.[138]

  • October 1

U.S. drone strike near the coastal town of Haramka, located near Jilib.[139] Strike kills senior al-Shabaab leader Abdullah Yare.[140] Prior to his death, Yare had a $3 million bounty.[140] At the time of his death, he was also in line to succeed ailing al-Shabaab leader Ahmed Diriye.[141]

  • October 26

U.s. airstrike kills two al-Shabaab jihadis in Buloburde, Hiran, according to the United States Africa Command; they were attacking Somali soldiers.[142]

Casualties[edit]

By August 2022, Airwars estimated that 78-153 civilians were killed by US airstrikes in Somalia since 2007, including 20-23 children, 12-13 women, and 79 named victims. The US has acknowledged only 5 civilian deaths in Somalia. American strikes also injured 34-49 civilians.[143]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ BBC News – Somalia's al-Shabab leader Aweys 'not surrendering' Archived 27 January 2016 at the Wayback Machine. bbc.co.uk (28 June 2013). Retrieved on 29 October 2013.
  2. ^ Barbara Starr and Ryan Browne. "US service member injured in Al-Shabaab attack in Somalia". CNN.
  3. ^ "Who are Somalia's al-Shabab?". BBC News. 22 December 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  4. ^ a b "'Warrior Spirit': Pentagon identifies Navy SEAL killed in Somalia". NBC News. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  5. ^ a b Gibbons-Neff, Thomas; Cooper, Helene (8 June 2018). "1 U.S. Soldier Is Killed and 4 Are Wounded in Somalia Firefight". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  6. ^ a b "Somalia: Reported US actions 2017". The Bureau of Investigative Journalism. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  7. ^ a b "Somalia: Reported US actions 2018". The Bureau of Investigative Journalism. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  8. ^ "Drone Strikes: Somalia". New America. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  9. ^ "Somalia: Reported US covert actions 2001–2016". The Bureau of Investigative Journalism. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  10. ^ "America's Counterterrorism Wars".
  11. ^ "Drone Strikes in Somalia". The Bureau of Investigative Journalism.
  12. ^ "US Forces in Somalia".
  13. ^ "Trump orders withdrawal of US troops from Somalia". BBC. BBC News. 5 December 2020.
  14. ^ "US military says its troop removal from Somalia is complete". ABC. Associated Press. 17 January 2021.
  15. ^ Savage, Charlie; Schmitt, Eric (2022-05-16). "Biden Approves Plan to Redeploy Several Hundred Ground Forces Into Somalia". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
  16. ^ MOORE, ROBERT. "End the American military presence in Somalia". the Hill.
  17. ^ "Somalia: reported US covert actions 2001–2017". The Bureau of Investigative Journalism. 22 February 2012.
  18. ^ "U.S. Strike in Somalia Targets Al-Qaeda Figure". The Washington Post. 8 January 2007.
  19. ^ Rice, Xan (9 January 2007). "'Many dead' in US air strikes on Somalia". the Guardian.
  20. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am "Somalia: Reported US covert actions 2001–2016". The Bureau of Investigative Journalism (en-GB).
  21. ^ "Airstrike Rekindles Somalis' Anger at the U.S." The New York Times. 10 January 2007.
  22. ^ "Al Qaeda Death a Blow to Terror Group". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  23. ^ "Somalia: Reported US covert actions 2001–2016".
  24. ^ "U.S. launches air strike in Somalia targeting al Shabaab senior leader". Reuters. 29 December 2014.
  25. ^ Whitlock, Craig (3 February 2015). "Drone strike kills senior al-Shabab official in Somalia" – via www.washingtonpost.com.
  26. ^ "U.S. airstrike kills more than 150 at Somalia terrorist camp, military says". Washington Post. 2016-03-07. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  27. ^ "US strike 'kills 150 Somali militants'". BBC News. 2016-03-07. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  28. ^ "Somalia: Reported US covert actions 2001–2016".
  29. ^ Sheikh, Abdi (2016-09-28). "U.S. accused of killing 22 in misdirected Somalia air strike". U.S. Retrieved 2018-02-25.
  30. ^ Cooper, Helene (9 May 2017). "Navy SEAL Who Died in Somalia Was Alongside, Not Behind, Local Forces". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  31. ^ "Gunfight kills Navy SEAL, wounds 2 other SEALs in Somalia". NBC News. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  32. ^ "Regional al-Shabab Leader Killed in Somali Raid". VOA. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  33. ^ Savage, Charlie; Cooper, Helene; Schmitt, Eric (11 June 2017). "U.S. Strikes Shabab, Likely a First Since Trump Relaxed Rules for Somalia". The New York Times. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  34. ^ "U.S. air strike hits al Shabaab; Somalia says base destroyed". Reuters. 11 June 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2019 – via www.reuters.com.
  35. ^ Browne, Ryan. "US conducts Somalia airstrike targeting al-Shabaab". CNN. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  36. ^ "13 al-Shabab Militants Killed in Joint US-Somali Strike". VOA. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  37. ^ "Al Qaeda says senior commander in Somalia al Shabaab affiliate killed". 27 August 2017. Archived from the original on 27 August 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2019 – via af.reuters.com.
  38. ^ Browne, Ryan. "US troops call in airstrike after they come under fire in Somalia". CNN. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  39. ^ "Somalia: At Least 7 Civilians Killed By Airstrike in Southern Somalia". 17 August 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2019 – via AllAfrica.
  40. ^ correspondent, Jason Burke Africa (23 January 2018). "Somali citizens count cost of surge in US airstrikes under Trump". Retrieved 5 March 2019 – via www.theguardian.com.
  41. ^ "U.S. forces in Somalia raid; three children reported among dead". 25 August 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2019 – via www.reuters.com.
  42. ^ "Somali Officials: US Drone Attack Kills Top Militant Recruiter". VOA. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  43. ^ Cooper, Helene (21 November 2017). "Over 100 Shabab Militants Killed in U.S. Airstrike in Somalia". Retrieved 5 March 2019 – via NYTimes.com.
  44. ^ Barbara Starr; Ryan Browne. "US airstrike kills more than 100 al-Shabaab militants". CNN. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  45. ^ "US airstrike kills over 100 al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia, Pentagon says". ABC News. 21 November 2017. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  46. ^ a b "US conducts airstrike in Somalia after troops come under attack". CNN. 12 March 2019.
  47. ^ "Trump Administration Steps Up Air War in Somalia". The New York Times. 10 March 2019.
  48. ^ "2 civilians killed in Somali airstrike, US military review finds". abcnews. 5 April 2019.
  49. ^ "US military acknowledges civilian casualties in Somalia for the first time". CNN. 5 April 2019.
  50. ^ "U.S. military admits civilian deaths in Somalia airstrike". PBS. 5 April 2019.
  51. ^ Barbara Starr; Ryan Browne. "US service member killed in Somalia". CNN. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  52. ^ "U.S. soldier killed in Somalia identified as Staff Sgt. Alexander W. Conrad". www.cbsnews.com. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  53. ^ "U.S. soldier killed in Somalia firefight identified". 10 June 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2019 – via www.reuters.com.
  54. ^ "One US soldier killed and four wounded in Somalia attack". Associated Press. 9 June 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2019 – via www.theguardian.com.
  55. ^ Haltiwanger, John. "The US military says it killed roughly 60 'terrorists' in Somalia airstrike, the deadliest strike in roughly a year". Business Insider. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  56. ^ "US military says 60 militants killed in Somalia airstrike". ABC News. 16 October 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  57. ^ "US Somali air strike 'kills 60 militants'". 16 October 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2019 – via www.bbc.com.
  58. ^ Browne, Ryan. "US says it killed 37 militants in two Somalia airstrikes". CNN. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  59. ^ "US: Airstrikes Kill 37 Al-Shabab Militants in Somalia". VOA. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  60. ^ Press, Abdi Guled, The Associated (22 November 2018). "US airstrikes in Somalia kill 6 al-Shabab extremists". Military Times. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  61. ^ Timm-Garcia, Jaide. "US airstrikes in Somalia kill 62 militants, US military says". CNN. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  62. ^ Guled, Abdi (17 December 2018). "US conducts 6 airstrikes against Somalia extremists, 62 dead". AP NEWS. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  63. ^ "US conducts 6 airstrikes against Somalia extremists, 62 dead". Associated Press. 17 December 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  64. ^ "Officials: US Airstrikes Destroyed Al-Shabab Base, Kill 62 Militants". VOA. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  65. ^ "Strikes kill 62 al-Shabab fighters, US says". 17 December 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2019 – via www.bbc.com.
  66. ^ "US conducts 6 airstrikes against Somalia extremists, 62 dead". Daily Herald. Associated Press. 17 December 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  67. ^ "US conducts 6 airstrikes against Somalia extremists, 62 dead". WBMA. Associated Press. 17 December 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  68. ^ "U.S. launches two airstrikes in Somalia, killing 11 militants". Xinhuanet. 21 December 2018. Archived from the original on December 21, 2018.
  69. ^ "Drone Strikes: Somalia". New America. Retrieved 26 October 2019.
  70. ^ "US: Airstrikes in Somalia Kill 4 al-Shabab Extremists". VOA. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  71. ^ "U.S. drone strikes kill 4 al-Shabab fighters in Somalia". Xinhuanet. 8 January 2019. Archived from the original on January 8, 2019.
  72. ^ "US airstrike in Somalia kills 52 al-Shabaab fighters, military says". Associated Press. 19 January 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019 – via www.theguardian.com.
  73. ^ "American Airstrike in Somalia Kills 52 Shabab Extremists, U.S. Military Says". Associated Press. 20 January 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019 – via NYTimes.com.
  74. ^ Michael Callahan; Ryan Browne. "US military says airstrike kills over 50 terrorists in Somalia". CNN. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  75. ^ "US airstrike in Somalia kills 52 al-Shabab extremists". www.nbc15.com. Associated Press. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  76. ^ "U.S. says its air strike kills 52 militants who attacked Somali base". 19 January 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019 – via www.reuters.com.
  77. ^ "US airstrike in Somalia kills 52 al-Shabab extremists". Daily Herald. Associated Press. 19 January 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  78. ^ "US Forces Hit Al-Shabab Terrorists In Somalia With 2 Airstrikes – Africa Command". UrduPoint. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  79. ^ "AFRICOM to Resume Announcing Somalia Airstrike Death Tolls". VOA. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  80. ^ "US airstrike kills 24 Shabaab fighters at an 'encampment' – FDD's Long War Journal". www.longwarjournal.org. 1 February 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  81. ^ "13 al-Shabaab fighters killed in Somalia – US army". News24. 3 February 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  82. ^ Şafak, Yeni (5 March 2019). "US airstrikes in Somalia kill 15 al-Shabaab militants". Yeni Şafak. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  83. ^ "US airstrikes in Somalia kill 15 al-Shabaab militants". aa.com. 9 February 2019.
  84. ^ "US airstrikes kill 15 suspected Al Shabaab militants". africanews.com. 9 February 2019.
  85. ^ "15 al-Shabaab extremists killed in US airstrikes in Somalia". news24. 9 February 2019.
  86. ^ "US says new airstrike in Somalia kills 8 al-Shabaab fighters". News24. 10 February 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  87. ^ "U.S. airstrikes kill 12 al-Shabaab militants in southeastern Somalia - Xinhua - English.news.cn". www.xinhuanet.com. Archived from the original on February 14, 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  88. ^ Snow, John (12 February 2019). "US strike hits civilian houses in Somalia – Al Shabaab". mareeg.com. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  89. ^ "US says 4 airstrikes in Somalia kill 2 al-Shabab fighters". The Seattle Times. 24 February 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  90. ^ "Somalia: 20 Days Old Child Killed In Air Raid". mareeg.com. 18 May 2019.
  91. ^ Callahan, Michael. "US says airstrike killed 35 Al Shabaab fighters in Somalia". CNN. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  92. ^ "U.S. says air strike killed 35 militants in Somalia". 25 February 2019. Archived from the original on 26 February 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019 – via af.reuters.com.
  93. ^ Nam, Rafael (25 February 2019). "Airstrike kills 35 al-Shabaab extremists, US military says". TheHill. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  94. ^ "US airstrike kills 35 al-Shabab fighters in Somalia - DW - 25.02.2019". DW.COM. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  95. ^ REPORT, CNN'S RYAN BROWNE AND BARBARA STARR CONTRIBUTED TO THIS (26 February 2019). "US says airstrike killed 35 Al Shabaab fighters in Somalia". KYMA. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  96. ^ "US military says airstrike kills 20 al-Shabab in Somalia". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  97. ^ Lejeune, Tristan (1 March 2019). "US airstrike kills 26 more al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia". TheHill. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  98. ^ "24th US Airstrike in Somalia This Year Kills 26 al-Shabab". WDIO. 25 February 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  99. ^ "Airstrike in Somalia kills 26 Al Shabab says US military". The National. March 2019. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  100. ^ "US airstrike in Somalia kills 26 al-Shabaab fighters". www.aa.com.tr. Retrieved 5 March 2019.
  101. ^ "US carries out air strike in Somalia". defenceWeb. 14 March 2019.
  102. ^ "US airstrike in Somalia targets al Shabaab". defenceWeb. 15 March 2019.
  103. ^ "US Military Attacks al-Shabab for Third Time This Week". voanews.com. 14 March 2019.
  104. ^ "U.S. confirms airstrike against ISIS-Somalia's Abdulhakim Dhuqub". AFRICOM. Retrieved 15 April 2019.
  105. ^ United States Africa Command (27 July 2019). "U.S. airstrike targets ISIS-Somalia in support of the Federal Government of Somalia". Retrieved 11 August 2019.
  106. ^ "U.S. army kills 1 al-Shabab militant in southern Somalia - Xinhua | English.news.cn". www.xinhuanet.com. Archived from the original on August 20, 2019.
  107. ^ a b "US airstrike in Somalia kills suspected Al-Shabaab militant near Kunyo Barrow". The Defense Post. October 9, 2018.
  108. ^ "Suspected US Airstrike Hits Islamic State Militants in Somalia". voanews.com. Retrieved 25 October 2019.
  109. ^ "U.S. military says kills al-Shabab militant in southern Somalia - Xinhua | English.news.cn". www.xinhuanet.com. Archived from the original on November 20, 2019.
  110. ^ Maruf, Harun (30 December 2019). "Al-Shabab Claims Responsibility for Deadly Bombing in Somali Capital". Retrieved 31 December 2019.
  111. ^ a b Kaamil Ahmed (April 2, 2020). "'Zero accountability': US accused of failure to report civilian deaths in Africa". www.theguardian.com. Retrieved April 2, 2020.
  112. ^ "Al-Shabab's Bashir Mohamed Qorgab 'killed in air strike in Somalia'". BBC. 8 March 2020.
  113. ^ "Bashir Mohamed Mahamoud". Rewards for Justice.
  114. ^ "Somalia telecoms employee killed by U.S. air strike -company". Reuters. 25 February 2020.
  115. ^ Amanda Sperber; Nick Turse (March 19, 2020). "U.S. Airstrike in Somalia Killed Two Civilians, Relatives Say". theintercept.com. Retrieved March 21, 2020.
  116. ^ "Precision airstrike eliminated al-Shabaab senior leader". AFRICOM. 7 April 2020.
  117. ^ "Federal Government of Somalia, AFRICOM target al-Shabaab". AFRICOM. 7 April 2020.
  118. ^ "مقتل قيادي بارز في "الشباب" بغارة جنوبـي الصومـال". Al-Khaleej (in Arabic). 27 August 2020.
  119. ^ "US Drone Strike Kills High-ranking al-Shabab Bomb-maker in Somalia". VOA News. 21 August 2020.
  120. ^ "Somalia soldiers killed; US officer wounded in al-Shabab attack". www.aljazeera.com.
  121. ^ "AFRICOM statement on Sept. 7 event in Somalia". www.africom.mil.
  122. ^ "Trump orders most US troops out of Somalia". ABC News.
  123. ^ "US military says troop withdrawal from Somalia is complete". www.militarytimes.com. 17 January 2021.
  124. ^ "U.S. Africa Command forces conduct two strikes on al-Shabaab operatives". www.africom.mil. 19 January 2021.
  125. ^ "U.S. military carries out first air strike in Somalia under Biden". Reuters. 21 July 2021.
  126. ^ "U.S. military carries out second strike in Somalia this week". Reuters. 23 July 2021.
  127. ^ "US Military Targets Al-Shabab in Somalia With More Airstrikes". VOA. 1 August 2021.
  128. ^ "U.S. Africa Command conducts strike against al-Shabaab". www.africom.mil. 24 August 2021.
  129. ^ "Somali, U.S. forces engage insurgents in support of the Federal Government of Somalia". www.africom.mil. 23 February 2022.
  130. ^ Natasha Bertrand (16 May 2022). "Biden approves plan to redeploy US troops to Somalia". CNN. Retrieved 2022-05-17.
  131. ^ "Somali, U.S. forces engage insurgents in support of the Federal Government of Somalia". www.africom.mil. 18 July 2022.
  132. ^ "Somali, U.S. forces engage insurgents in support of the Federal Government of Somalia". www.africom.mil. 9 August 2022.
  133. ^ a b Mitchell, Ellen (17 August 2022). "US airstrike in Somalia kills 13 al-Shabaab militants, Pentagon says". The Hill. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
  134. ^ "Somali, U.S. forces engage insurgents in support of the Federal Government of Somalia". www.africom.mil. 17 August 2022.
  135. ^ Dhaaysane, Mohammed (15 August 2022). "US Airstrike in Somalia Kills 14 al-Shabab Militants". Voice of America. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
  136. ^ Dhaaysane, Mohammed (14 August 2022). "Somali military claims capturing al-Shabaab stronghold, killing terrorists". Anadolu Agency. Retrieved 18 August 2022.
  137. ^ Dhaaysane, Mohammed (15 August 2022). "US Airstrike in Somalia Kills More Than a Dozen al-Shabab Militants". Voice of America. Retrieved 18 August 2022. {{cite news}}: Missing |author1= (help)
  138. ^ a b c "Federal Government of Somalia engages terrorists with support from U.S. forces". www.africom.mil. 21 September 2022. Retrieved 21 September 2022.
  139. ^ "U.S. forces conduct strike in Somalia targeting al-Shabaab leader". www.africom.mil. 3 October 2022. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  140. ^ a b AFP (October 3, 2022). "Top al-Shabaab leader killed in joint airstrike operation: Somalia govt". Al Arabiya. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  141. ^ Hassan, Abdiqani (3 October 2022). "U.S. military says it killed al-Shabaab leader in Somali air strike". Reuters. Retrieved 12 October 2022.
  142. ^ Babb, Carla (25 October 2022). (VOA)%5d "US Targets Al-Shabab in Somalia Airstrike, Killing 2". VOANews. Retrieved 27 October 2022. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help)
  143. ^ "US Forces in Somalia".

Further reading[edit]

  • Brendon J. Cannon (2020) "What’s in it for us? Armed drone strikes and the security of Somalia’s Federal Government." Small Wars & Insurgencies, 31:4, 773–800, DOI: 10.1080/09592318.2020.1743489
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=American_military_intervention_in_Somalia_(2007–present)&oldid=1122979301"