The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has denied allegations that airstrikes against Al-Shabaab in southern Somalia are intended to displace civilians or expose them to the risk of flooding—floods that are feared to result from El Niño-related rains.
An AFRICOM spokesperson stated that the command does not target civilians, nor does it use weather conditions or flooding as a tactic of war.
He added that U.S. forces engage legitimate military targets and take all feasible measures to minimize harm to civilians.
AFRICOM’s response follows a report by *The Guardian* regarding the situation in the town of Jilib, in the Middle Juba region. Local residents reported that frequent airstrikes have made it difficult for them to leave the town, with some seeking shelter along the banks of the Juba River.
The report cites local residents who stated that the airstrikes have caused deaths and the destruction of homes, amid growing fears that anticipated flooding could further exacerbate the risks faced by families living near the river. Some sources cited by the newspaper expressed concern that military operations are pushing people into areas at risk of flooding. These allegations, which AFRICOM has denied, have not been independently verified.
In 2023, Somalia faced widespread flooding linked to El Niño, which displaced more than 1.2 million people, according to the report. Aid agencies have also warned of the risk of further flooding that could affect areas along the Jubba River.
Source Somaliland standard
