MOGADISHU (SD)– A report by The Guardian has alleged that a U.S. drone strike carried out on November 15, 2025, in the Jamame district of Lower Juba killed at least 12 civilians, including eight children.

According to the newspaper’s investigation, the strike hit residential areas where families were living, with some victims reportedly inside their homes at the time of the attack. The report was based on eyewitness testimony, photographs, videos, and medical records reviewed by the publication.

The investigation stated that one of the homes destroyed belonged to Abdullahi Mohamed Abo Sheikh Ali. Family members told The Guardian that women and children were among those killed when the house was struck.

Among the reported victims were Safiya Hassan Abukar, who was pregnant, and four of her children. Local residents interviewed by the newspaper maintained that those killed were civilians and were not involved in armed conflict.

The report described the incident as one of the deadliest alleged civilian casualty events linked to U.S. military operations in Somalia in recent years.

According to The Guardian, no official public investigation into the reported civilian deaths has been announced, and U.S. authorities have not publicly acknowledged the casualties described in the report.

The newspaper also raised questions about the intelligence and targeting process behind the strike, arguing that evidence collected during its investigation suggested the affected area was a civilian residential neighborhood.

If the findings presented by The Guardian are confirmed, the incident would represent one of the most serious allegations of civilian casualties associated with U.S. counterterrorism operations in Somalia in recent years.

Civilian casualty allegations remain among the most sensitive issues surrounding drone warfare and counterterrorism operations. Such incidents often generate scrutiny regarding intelligence gathering, target verification, and compliance with international humanitarian law.

The report is likely to increase calls from human rights organizations, local communities, and civil society groups for an independent investigation to establish the facts surrounding the strike and determine whether civilian deaths occurred.

For the United States, allegations of civilian casualties can complicate counterterrorism partnerships and undermine public support for security operations, particularly in areas where military efforts depend on cooperation with local communities.

At the same time, it is important to note that the claims outlined in the report are based on journalistic findings and witness accounts. As of now, there has been no publicly released official investigation or response confirming the reported casualty figures.

The case highlights the continuing challenges faced by military forces conducting counterterrorism operations in densely populated areas, where distinguishing between militant targets and civilian populations can have significant humanitarian and political consequences.