The U.S. military has conducted an airstrike against al-Shabaab fighters who attacked Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops serving under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) in Buulo Mareer on May 26, 2023.
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the strike destroyed weapons and equipment unlawfully taken by al-Shabaab fighters.
“In support of the Federal Government of Somalia and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia’s operations against al Shabaab, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against militants in the vicinity of the ATMIS forward operating base, FOB Bulo Marer on May 26,” reads a statement dated May 27, 2023.
It adds: “The command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed. U.S. Africa Command takes great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command’s operations to promote a more secure and stable Africa.”
The leadership of UPDF dispatched Land Force Commander, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, to Somalia to investigate the attack and also formed a Board of Inquiry to ascertain the number of casualties.
Matthew Miller, U.S. Department Spokesperson, said the United States strongly condemned the attack by Al-Shabaab in Buulo Mareer on the Ugandan peacekeeping forces deployed to the African Union Transition Mission (ATMIS) in Somalia.
“We express our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and friends and wish a full recovery to those injured. The United States commends the bravery and sacrifice of the troops participating in this important mission,” he stated.
He added: “We stand with our Somali and African Union partners in the fight to defeat terrorism and to advance peace and stability for the Somali people.”
On May 20, the U.S. military confirms a new sir strike against al-Shabaab in Jilib town; the target was not been identified. The operation was initially reported by the Somali government media.”
Ali Mohamed Rage
In February this year, the U.S. Department of State’s Rewards for Justice (RFJ) programme, which is administered by the Diplomatic Security Service, offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to the identification or location of al-Shabaab key leader, Ali Mohamed Rage.
Ali Mohamed Rage, also known as Ali Dheere, has been al-Shabaab’s chief spokesperson since May 2009 and is a senior leader of the terrorist organisation.
Rage was born in the Hawlwadag district of Mogadishu, Somalia in 1966 and has been involved in the planning of attacks in Kenya and Somalia.
On August 6, 2021, the Department of State designated Rage as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT). That designation, among other consequences, blocks all property and interests in property belonging to Rage and may expose persons who engage in certain transactions with Rage to the designation.
Furthermore, any foreign financial institution that knowingly facilitates a significant financial transaction or provides significant financial services for Rage could be subject to U.S. correspondent account or payable-through account sanctions.
On February 18, 2022, the UN Security Council’s Somalia Sanctions Committee added Rage to its Sanctions List pursuant to paragraph 43(a) of resolution 2093 (2013) for engaging in or providing support for acts that threaten the peace, security or stability of Somalia.
The UN designation requires UN Member States to impose an arms embargo, including related training and financial assistance, a travel ban, and an assets freeze on Rage.
Al-Shabaab
Al-Shabaab is responsible for terrorist attacks in Kenya, Somalia, and neighbouring countries that resulted in the loss of life, including of U.S. citizens.
The terrorist group continues to plot, plan, and conspire to commit terrorist acts against the United States, U.S. interests, and foreign partners.
The Department of State designated al-Shabaab as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist in March 2008.
In April 2010, al-Shabaab was also added to the 1844 Sanctions List by the UN Security Council’s Somalia Sanctions Committee pursuant to paragraph 8 of resolution 1844 (2008).
