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In the aftermath of a tragic US airstrike in Somalia, seven-year-old Abdiqadir Salah is grappling with severe injuries that could cost him the ability to walk. His family is unable to afford the necessary £750 surgery, while the US government continues to deny any civilian casualties from the attack. This heart-wrenching situation raises urgent questions about the humanitarian impact of foreign military interventions.
A Terrifying Incident
On 15 November 2025, Abdiqadir was struck by shrapnel during a US airstrike that tragically claimed the lives of at least twelve civilians, including eight children. This incident has been described as one of the deadliest assaults on civilians in Somalia since the infamous 1993 Black Hawk Down operation. Eyewitness accounts highlight a chaotic scene where innocent children were left injured, raising serious concerns about the accuracy of US military intelligence and the selection of targets.
Abdiqadir’s mother, Marian Haji Abdi Guled, recounted the horrifying moment the attack unfolded. “That’s where three of my children got wounded. All three of them were laying on the ground covered in blood,” she explained. In a desperate attempt to protect her children, she fled into the countryside, only to be met with further chaos as missiles continued to rain down.
A Struggle for Survival
In the wake of the attack, Guled faced the daunting task of seeking medical attention for her children. Her eldest son, 16-year-old Mohamed, sustained shrapnel injuries to his fingers, while 14-year-old Sumaya had metal fragments lodged in her head. However, it was Abdiqadir’s case that presented the most urgency, with doctors warning that he required immediate surgery to remove the shrapnel from his back and thigh to avoid life-altering consequences.
The journey to find help was fraught with challenges. After fleeing their home, Guled travelled 40 miles to Jilib, the operational centre for the militant group al-Shabaab, presumed to be the target of the US strikes. Unfortunately, the local hospital could not provide the necessary treatment, forcing Guled to make the arduous trip to Mogadishu with her injured children. “During the two nights and two days to reach Mogadishu, we couldn’t even eat anything. All I thought about was saving my children,” she recalled.
A Call for Assistance
Despite reaching the capital, the family’s plight remains dire. While Guled’s daughter received medical treatment, Abdiqadir is still in desperate need of surgery that could prevent him from losing the ability to walk. “The doctors told me that if the shrapnel isn’t removed, it could affect his ability to continue walking,” Guled said, her voice filled with anguish. Yet, the family’s financial situation remains precarious; the cost of accommodation in Mogadishu is nearly £190 a month, making it nearly impossible to save for the urgent operation.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the US government’s refusal to acknowledge civilian casualties in their airstrikes. Under the previous administration, a programme aimed at preventing and responding to civilian deaths was quietly dismantled, leaving families like Guled’s without hope for compensation or accountability.
Why it Matters
The tragic case of Abdiqadir Salah highlights the profound humanitarian consequences of military interventions in conflict zones. It raises critical questions about the ethical responsibilities of nations engaged in military operations, particularly regarding the protection of innocent civilians. As the international community grapples with the impact of such actions, the voices of those affected must be heard, urging a reevaluation of policies that lead to such devastating outcomes. Abdiqadir’s story is not just about one child’s injuries; it is emblematic of the broader struggles faced by countless civilians caught in the crossfire of geopolitical conflicts.
