Airwars assessment
On Saturday, March 15 2025, six alleged al-Shabaab militants were killed 150 kilometers north east of Mogadishu, Somalia, in an airstrike declared by US Africa Command (AFRICOM) forces in collaboration with the Federal Government of Somalia.
In a statement released on March 17, AFRICOM confirmed the airstrike which was “at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia” and was “collective self-defense.” Their initial assessment said that “enemy combatants were killed”, and “no civilians were killed or injured.” New America reported on April 3 that AFRICOM had updated its numbers with six militants having been killed in the strike.
Local and social media sources quoted the AFRICOM statement, with Arlaadi Media reporting that “the operation eliminated ‘several combatants’”, while Horn Review and Mogadishu 24 noted that civilian casualties were “unconfirmed.”
Sources did not provide names or further details of those killed in the strike.
The local time of the incident is unknown.
Summary
Sources (5) [ collapse]
Media
from sources (2) [ collapse]
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Source: Arlaadi Media X
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US Forces Assessment:
Original strike reports
At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against al Shabaab on March 15, 2025.
The airstrike occurred about 150 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu, Somalia.
AFRICOM’s initial assessment is that enemy combatants were killed and that no civilians were injured or killed.
Al Shabaab has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. and partner forces. This jihadist group's malicious efforts threaten U.S. security interests.
AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al Shabaab’s ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our civilians abroad.
Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.