U.S. Africa Command: Airstrikes Near Badhan Somalia Target al-Shabaab Weapons Dealer

AFRICOM’s initial assessment reported no civilian casualties. Regional accounts describe the deceased as Abdullahi Omar Abdi, also reported as Omar Abdullahi Abdi.

AFRICA — U.S. forces conducted airstrikes near Badhan in Somalia's Sanaag region on September 13, targeting an individual designated by U.S. sources as an al-Shabaab weapons dealer.

Although AFRICOM did not report the method used during the strike, the MQ-9 drone is frequently used to carry out strikes in the region

U.S. Africa Command reports coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, with no independent public statement from Somali federal authorities identified as of September 18.

AFRICOM’s initial assessment reported no civilian casualties. Regional accounts describe the deceased as Abdullahi Omar Abdi, also reported as Omar Abdullahi Abdi, a clan elder and mediation participant without militant ties, with attributions differing from the U.S. designation.

Some initial local accounts suggested UAE involvement linked to the deceased's stance on resource agreements, prior to U.S. confirmation.

Authorities in Puntland and Northeastern State have announced investigations as of September 18, 2025, with U.S. Africa Command stating no further information is available. Regional reports indicate al-Shabaab denied any affiliation with the deceased.

Incident Details