US Airstrikes in Somalia Accused of Pushing Civilians Into El Niño Flood Zones

Civilians and observers in southern Somalia report that an intensifying campaign of airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab territory is driving local populations toward the flood-prone banks of the Juba River, raising significant concerns as El Niño approaches. Residents in the region describe frequent bombardments that have trapped residents, including women and children, near dangerous rising waters.

REPORTS OF CIVILIAN CASUALTIES IN AL-SHABAAB STRONGHOLDS

Testimonies from inside Jilib, a de facto capital for al-Shabaab militants who control approximately 30 percent of Somalia, detail widespread destruction and significant civilian casualties. Local residents described persistent drone attacks and airstrikes that have destroyed homes and killed livestock and civilians, forcing people to flee toward the floodplain of the Juba River. Farhan Ahmed, a former resident who recently fled Jilib, stated that daily strikes flattened multiple houses in his neighbourhood.

ACCUSATIONS AND US MILITARY DENIALS

Sources monitoring the Juba floodplain contend that military operations are effectively pushing civilians into areas highly vulnerable to seasonal El Niño flooding, leading to accusations that weather conditions are being exploited in the offensive. United States Africa Command (Africom) has firmly denied these allegations. An Africom spokesperson stated that the command does not target civilians, conduct operations to displace non-combatants, or utilize weather and flooding as a method of warfare, maintaining that measures are taken to mitigate civilian harm while striking lawful military objectives.

HUMANITARIAN CONCERNS AND LACK OF RESOURCES

The Juba River basin is considered an area of particular concern by United Nations agencies and international humanitarian groups, following severe 2023 floods that displaced over 1.2 million people. Local officials in Jubaland warned that a shortage of boats could leave thousands trapped on the eastern side of the river without access to aid in Kismayo. Humanitarian response efforts are further hindered by severe funding reductions, with Somalia's aid budget dropping significantly from $2.2 billion in 2023, alongside a lack of adequate flood defenses and preparation by al-Shabaab in the territory under its control.