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US-Backed Offensive Allegedly Killed 11 Civilians in Somalia

Do escalating airstrikes prove that the U.S.' counterterrorism strategy is failing, or do coordinated operations degrade militant capacity and support Somalia?

Published DEC 15 2025

US-Backed Offensive Allegedly Killed 11 Civilians in Somalia

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Above: SNA soldiers secure a village in the Lower Shabelle, Somalia, on Nov. 11, 2025. Image credit: Tony Karumba/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Establishment-critical narrative

Escalating strikes in Somalia prove that counterterrorism through bombardment has utterly failed. Despite years of strikes, extremists in the region continue to expand territory while forging dangerous new alliances with the Houthis. All that Trump's aggressive posture achieves is perpetuating an endless war and opportunities for escalation that no amount of airstrikes will ever resolve.

Responsible Statecraft

CGTN Africa on Youtube

Pro-establishment narrative

Coordinated actions between the U.S. and the SNA are systematically degrading al-Shabaab's capabilities through precise operations, utilizing targeted airstrikes and ground maneuvers to inflict heavy losses on the militants. By working together, these efforts protect U.S. interests while supporting Somalia’s legitimate government in reclaiming its territory from extremists.

Somali National News Agency AFRICOM