This report by PAX sheds light on how United States (US) airstrikes affect civilians in Jubbaland, a region in southern Somalia that is largely under Al Shabaab control. Against the backdrop of the 9/11 events, the US has for years been engaged in a military campaign in this area that relies heavily on air operations involving the use of armed drones. This military strategy has sparked allegations of civilian casualties and limited transparency.

The report shows that the US airstrikes negatively affect civilians in Jubbaland in several ways. In terms of direct effects, there are accounts of civilian deaths, mental and physical injuries and material damage to personal property, such as livestock and agricultural tools and lands. Airstrikes have also caused several reverberating civilian harm effects that include economic harm, displacement and harm to the community, including stigmatization and retaliation. The fact that the airstrikes impact more people than the intended targets alone contribute to the long-term negative effects. The report raises several critical questions around the proportionality of the US intervention in light of considerable civilian harm allegations. In cases where the US military has admitted to causing civilian casualties, it has fallen short in providing meaningful response.

All things taken together the report is critical on whether short-term military objectives achieved through the use of airstrikes effectively contribute to the objective of stimulating safety and security for civilians in Somalia in the longer term.