The growing number of US air strikes in Somalia has raised concerns over civilian casualties, displacement and long-term injuries as Washington expands its military operations against armed groups.
Families in southern Somalia say military operations have left relatives dead or seriously injured, while thousands have fled their homes.
According to an investigation by Al Jazeera, survivors of a November 2025 offensive near Jamaame, in southern Jubaland, continue to face serious medical and financial difficulties.
However, the US military disputes allegations that its air strikes caused the reported civilian casualties.
US air strikes in Somalia increase sharply
The United States has expanded its air campaign against al-Shabab and the ISIL-affiliated armed group in Somalia.
Public records from US Africa Command (AFRICOM) show that American forces conducted 84 air strikes through September 2026.
Meanwhile, the New America Foundation, which independently monitors the campaign, recorded 88 strikes during the same period.
The increase comes under President Donald Trump, whose administration has given military commanders greater authority to approve operations.
US officials say the strikes support Somali forces and target armed groups that threaten regional security and American interests.
However, the expanding campaign has also raised questions about civilian protection.
Families describe deaths and injuries in Jamaame
Families affected by fighting around Jamaame say the November 2025 offensive caused lasting suffering.
Maryam Haji Abdi Guled told Al Jazeera that three of her six children suffered injuries during bombardment near their home.
Her seven-year-old son, Abdiqadir Salah, sustained serious shrapnel wounds.
Following months of medical treatment, doctors removed two pieces of metal from his body. However, another fragment remains near his hip because removing it could cause paralysis.
Maryam has remained in Mogadishu to ensure her son can access medical care.
Other families reported losing relatives during the same offensive.
Ali Aden Borrow, a farmer from Jamaame, said his pregnant wife died after debris from what he described as an air strike struck her.
Her unborn child also died.
Another farmer, Nuur Ali Nuur, said his wife suffered severe injuries that left her unable to walk.
These accounts describe the humanitarian consequences of the fighting. However, responsibility for individual casualties has not been independently established.
Thousands displaced during Somalia military offensive
The November 2025 offensive involved Somali government forces, regional troops and US military air support.
Jubaland authorities said the operation targeted al-Shabab positions around Jamaame.
A monitoring network led by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) recorded 12 civilian deaths during fighting and air strikes between November 16 and 18.
The network also documented approximately 22,800 people fleeing Jamaame and surrounding villages during those three days.
Residents reported damage to businesses, restrictions on movement and psychological distress among displaced families.
However, the monitoring figures cover both air strikes and ground fighting. As a result, they do not establish which forces caused individual civilian deaths.
US military disputes civilian casualty allegations
AFRICOM acknowledged conducting air strikes near Jamaame on November 14 and 15, 2025.
However, the command rejected claims that available evidence established US responsibility for reported civilian casualties.
The military said it reviewed allegations involving between 10 and 12 civilian deaths, alongside damage to homes and businesses.
Its assessment concluded that the available information did not meet the required threshold to determine that American operations had caused the reported harm.
AFRICOM also said it could reopen the assessment if new evidence emerged.
However, the command did not disclose the underlying evidence or confirm whether investigators had interviewed affected families.
The findings therefore remain disputed by survivors who believe US aircraft were responsible for their losses.
Civilian protection concerns grow
Humanitarian researchers have warned that the consequences of military operations can continue long after the fighting ends.
Anna Zahn, an archive lead at the civilian harm monitoring organisation Airwars, said serious injuries often go underreported in Somalia.
Many families struggle to afford medical treatment, while damaged infrastructure and limited healthcare services can delay recovery.
Research by the peace organisation PAX has also documented long-term injuries, displacement, lost livelihoods and psychological trauma following alleged US air strikes in Jubaland.
Meanwhile, Airwars documented at least 216 civilians killed or injured in US strikes in Somalia between 2007 and May 2025.
That figure represents documented cases rather than the full estimated toll. It also excludes the later Jamaame offensive.
Somalia and US continue operations against armed groups
The United States says its military campaign takes place in coordination with Somalia’s federal government.
American officials maintain that al-Shabab and Somalia’s ISIL affiliate pose serious security threats.
Somali authorities have also acknowledged the importance of US air support in operations against armed groups.
However, concerns remain over the impact of military operations on civilians.
Somalia has adopted a national civilian-protection policy aimed at reducing harm during security operations.
Officials have also warned that civilian casualties could deepen local grievances and undermine efforts to establish lasting security.
Families seek accountability and humanitarian support
For families affected by the Jamaame offensive, the consequences extend beyond the immediate fighting.
Some survivors continue to require medical treatment, while others have lost homes, relatives and sources of income.
Many displaced families remain unable to return safely to their communities.
Although AFRICOM says it investigates credible reports of civilian harm, affected residents continue to seek answers about what happened.
The accounts highlight the importance of transparent investigations, civilian protection and access to humanitarian assistance.
As US military operations continue in Somalia, questions over accountability and the protection of vulnerable communities remain unresolved.