The Guardian has published an investigation into a US airstrike in Somalia that killed at least 12 civilians, including eight children, during a covert campaign against al-Shabaab. The strike, which occurred in November in the town of Jamaame, was the deadliest US operation for civilians in Somalia during either Trump administration.
Challenges of Reporting on Covert Conflicts
Senior global development reporter Mark Townsend and freelance journalist Mohamed Gabobe collaborated on the investigation. They faced significant obstacles, including restricted access to al-Shabaab-controlled areas, lack of internet and smartphones for civilians, and the US military's refusal to release information. "It's a very opaque campaign," Townsend said. "The US doesn't release anything about what's going on."
Methodology: Piecing Together the Story
Gabobe contacted clan elders in Mogadishu to connect with survivors. "Clan elders are the leaders and decision-makers when it comes to the affairs of each respective clan," he explained. The reporters gathered witness testimony, photographs, video footage, X-rays of shrapnel injuries, and interviews with drone specialists and military analysts. They submitted 30 detailed questions to the US Department of War, which did not respond. The White House eventually responded, but their reply highlighted a lack of transparency.
Human Impact of the Strike
One of the victims, seven-year-old Abdiqadir, was hit in the airstrike and required a $750 operation to avoid losing his ability to walk. Gabobe noted the difficulty of asking survivors about the details of their loved ones' deaths. "It feels like you're making them relive horrors that no human being should endure," he said. The investigation underscores the devastating reality of drone strikes for civilians caught in the conflict.
Importance of Collaborative Journalism
Townsend emphasized the trust required in such collaborations. "Mohamed did the hard yards in terms of on-the-ground reporting, so he got the final say," he said. Gabobe added that some western media outlets overlook local journalists' knowledge and context, leading to biased narratives. The Guardian's approach aimed to ensure accuracy and authenticity.
Unanswered Questions
The articles raise urgent questions: Who signed off on the attack on a densely populated family neighbourhood? Who was the intended target? The US refusal to share information is itself a galvanizing factor, Townsend said. The investigation is part of the Guardian's Rights and Freedom series, highlighting conflicts that often receive little public attention.
