Mogadishu 01 April 2020, The Federal Government of Somalia and the United States Government have been working in cooperation to rid Somalia from the oppression and terrorism of al-Shabaab. Part of this cooperation has been the support of the Somali National Army operations on the ground through air support of US AFRICOM. The reconnaissance and missile strikes’ that these aircraft provide are a crucial part of reducing al-Shabaab’s ability to target military and civilians in Somalia.
The United States and the Federal Government go to extensive lengths to minimize the likelihood of
civilian casualties from these airstrikes. Due to the value that the United States and the FGS placed in
respecting the Law of Arms Conflict, al-Shabaab knows the high-value that both the US and Federal
Government place on human life and hides among the civilian populace to use them as shields to protect themselves from attack. In conducting airstrikes, measures are taken to absolutely minimize risk to civilians and to prevent damage. Each claim of civilian casualties is taken seriously and investigated thoroughly. When new information becomes available, the impact of the airstrike will be looked into again.
The strict enforcement of these standards stands in sharp contrast to al-Shabaab, who regularly
target civilians to create a climate of fear. More often than not, however, these aerial overflight missions provide valuable information, support, and help protect Somalis from the harm and destruction AlShabaab is seeking to create.
The SNA soldiers, Danab, and AMISOM forces can be better protected. Civilian lives are saved from
explosive devices, and their daily lives are made safer when high-level al-Shabaab leaders can be
removed from the battlefield. For example, when al-Shabaab attempted to overrun Baledogle Military
Airfield, had it not for airstrike support, al-Shabaab would have taken the lives of many soldiers and
civilians. Another example of why the employment of airstrike support is essential was during the
liberation of the city of Janaale; US Air support was used to support Somali and AMISOM forces during the operation. This support significantly reduced al-Shabaab ability to fight and reduced casualties taken by friendly forces during the mission.
The Federal Government of Somalia’s first duty is the protection of its citizens’ lives, property, and
freedom. To fulfill this duty, the Federal Government is obligated to continue fighting until the last
remnants of the al-Qaida affiliated terrorist group no longer exist. The Federal Government of Somalia, The Federal Member States, and its citizens must stand together against this terrorist cancer. The past years have seen what this partnership can accomplish as Al-Shabaab has seen its territory dwindle. With the assistance of our international partners, Somalia will once again be a land of peace and prosperity.
