Source: Wikipedia Commons /  American drones such as the remotely piloted General Atomics MQ-1 Predator,  have been used primarily by the United States Air Force for counter-terror airstrikes in the Horn-of-African nation Somalia.

By Gary Raynaldo        DIPLOMATIC  TIMES

A U.S. airstrike against Al Shabaab Tuesday killed three jihadists in the vicinities of Jamaame and Deb Scinnele, Somalia,  U.S. Africa Command said.  The command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed as a result of the operation. 

“These strikes targeted known al-Shabaab leaders involved in IED facilitation, fighter training, and attack planning, Striking these leaders disrupts al-Shabaab’s ability to attack our partners and indiscriminately kill innocent civilians with improvised explosive devices. We are working closely with our Somali partners to support their operations against al-Shabaab, protect their people, and provide governance.”

-U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Joint Task Force-Quartz commander

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted two airstrikes in Somalia on Jan. 1, 2021.  (credit: africom.mil)

Earlier this month,  AFRICOM conducted two strikes on al-Shabaab compound. Both strikes targeted al-Shabaab compounds in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow, Somalia.    AFRICOM reported that assessments indicated the January 1 strikes killed three and wounded one al-Shabaab members and destroyed six and damaged one al-Shabaab compound buildings.  In addition, the command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this operation.

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted two (2) airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab explosives experts in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia, Dec. 10. 2020.  (credit: africom.mil)

Last month,  the Federal Government of Somalia and  the U.S. targeted al-Shabaab explosives makers in the vicinity of Jilib, Somalia conducting two airstrikes.   According to  AFRICOM,  the initial assessment indicates the strike killed eight terrorists who were known to play important roles in producing explosives for al-Shabaab, to include vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs), which are used frequently to target innocent civilians. AFRICOM   assessed no civilians were injured or killed. 

Joint Task Force – Quartz operations support U.S. Africa Command and international efforts that promote a peaceful and stable Somalia, according to AFRICOM.  Violent extremist organizations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to U.S. and regional interests, AFRICOM said.

US Military Admits Killing Civilians in Past Somalia Counter-Terror Airstrike

The US goal in Somalia is to weaken al-Shabab militarily in order to foster a political settlement,  according to senior officials of AFRICOM.  The airstrikes are not without controversy, as there have been reports of civilian casualties.  The Pentagon acknowledged in April 2020 that a military strike in Somalia more than a year ago killed two civilians and injured three more.  Many accuse the US of playing down and/or disputing civilian deaths.   AFRICOM made the surprise admission concerning civilian casualties in its campaign against al-Shabaab. As part of the command’s commitment to transparency, Africom is implementing a quarterly report on the status of ongoing and completed civilian casualty allegations and assessments. It is only the second time in recent years Africom has admitted civilian casualties in Somalia in association with airstrikes.