‘They didn’t know or care, or wouldn’t say’: how we investigated the casualties of a covert US war

‘They didn’t know or care, or wouldn’t say’: how we investigated the casualties of a covert US war

They didn t know or care - The hidden nature of certain military operations often obscures their impact on civilian lives. Press freedom limitations, safety threats, and limited resources contribute to this opacity. Additionally, geopolitical disputes tend to dominate media coverage, leaving civil conflicts in the shadows. With so many armed conflicts occurring globally, it’s easy for the humanitarian costs—like civilian deaths and the struggle to hold militaries accountable—to go unnoticed. The Guardian’s recent investigation into an airstrike in Somalia that killed at least 12 civilians, including eight children, underscores the challenges of exposing such incidents. This report, part of our Rights and Freedom series, highlights how even in a covert campaign, truth can emerge through persistent reporting.

A covert strike with deadly consequences

Earlier this week, the Guardian published findings about a US airstrike in Jamaame, Somalia, which occurred in November 2023. It marked the most lethal operation of its kind during either Trump administration, with the bombing escalating in intensity. The strike was part of Washington’s secret military campaign against al-Shabaab, an Islamist group that has long targeted civilians. Despite the high stakes, the US government has been slow to share details about the operation, creating a barrier for journalists seeking transparency. This lack of information, combined with the logistical hurdles of reporting from al-Shabaab-controlled zones, made the investigation both complex and critical.

"We’re reporting on this in the hope that the information and the Guardian’s reach will cut through," says Mark Townsend, a senior global development reporter on the team. "But it’s a very hard conflict to actually report on. Even excellent reporters like Mohamed can’t travel to areas controlled by al-Shabaab where this war is being conducted. And civilians in those areas aren’t allowed internet access or smartphones, so getting footage of strikes or images of the aftermath and victims is very difficult."

Modifying the original report’s structure, the team focused on piecing together fragmented accounts from local sources and survivors. Without official records, the investigation relied heavily on interviews and on-the-ground observations. Mohamed Gabobe, a freelance journalist and producer based in Mogadishu, played a central role in this effort. His deep knowledge of the region and access to key contacts were vital to uncovering the full scope of the tragedy.

Normalization of civilian suffering

For Mohamed, the investigation revealed a troubling trend: the way Western media often treats civilian casualties as routine. "I sometimes get the sense that many western media outlets view the deaths of children in US airstrikes as a norm," he explains. "But death shouldn’t be normalised, especially when the most powerful nation in the world is doing it to communities with no direct involvement in the conflict."

"It’s a very opaque campaign," adds Mohamed. "The US doesn’t release much about what’s happening, and the restrictions on movement in al-Shabaab-controlled areas make it even harder to gather evidence. Without local journalists like me, the story might never reach the public—or it might be shaped by a narrative that doesn’t reflect the reality on the ground."

Collaborating with Mohamed required trust and adaptability. Mark Townsend, who has worked for the Guardian and its predecessor, the Observer, for over two decades, emphasizes the importance of local expertise in such cases. "This model of working varies depending on the news organization," he notes. "Some let local journalists take the lead, while others prioritize their own narrative, sometimes overlooking the nuances and context that a field reporter brings."

When the Guardian first began investigating the strike, the key clue came from Tess McClure, an editor in the Rights and Freedom series. She noticed reports of a high number of children killed in the November attack, which led to the collaboration with Mohamed. Given the risks of reporting from al-Shabaab-controlled zones, including potential prosecution, Mohamed had to be resourceful. He relied on trusted networks to collect testimonies and documents, ensuring the story remained grounded in local realities.

Collaborative journalism in action

Mark’s role in the project involved synthesizing Mohamed’s findings with broader contextual analysis. "Mohamed did the hard yards here in terms of on-the-ground reporting," he says. "Whatever feedback he had—like if something needed to be adjusted or more carefully phrased—then he got the final say. It’s his lived experience; he’s the expert."

This partnership exemplifies how investigative journalism can bridge gaps in information. By combining international reach with local insight, the team was able to present a compelling narrative about the human cost of a covert war. The strike in Jamaame, though deadly, is part of a larger pattern: the US has conducted numerous operations in Somalia over the years, often with minimal public scrutiny. The lack of transparency not only hinders accountability but also allows for the perception that civilian casualties are an inevitable part of conflict.

For Mohamed, the challenge of reporting from al-Shabaab-controlled areas is constant. "The restrictions on movement are severe," he says. "You can’t just walk into a village and document what’s happening. You have to rely on people who are willing to risk their safety to share the truth." This effort was made all the more difficult by the absence of digital access for civilians in those zones, limiting the ability to capture real-time evidence or share it with a global audience.

Despite these obstacles, the investigation managed to highlight the importance of sustained reporting in exposing covert military actions. By working closely with a journalist deeply embedded in the region, the Guardian was able to present a story that not only informed but also challenged the normalization of US airstrikes. The report serves as a reminder that even in the absence of official records, dedicated journalists can uncover the truth through collaboration and persistence.

As the conflict in Somalia continues, the need for such investigative efforts remains urgent. The US’s covert operations, while effective in combating terrorism, often come at a significant human cost. The story of Jamaame’s airstrike, and the journalists who uncovered it, illustrates how the media can play a pivotal role in bringing attention to hidden wars and ensuring that civilian suffering is not overlooked. In a world where information is power, this kind of reporting is essential to holding those in authority accountable.

Through this collaboration, the Guardian demonstrated that even in the most difficult circumstances, the truth can be unearthed. Mohamed’s firsthand accounts, combined with Mark’s analytical perspective, provided a comprehensive view of the conflict’s impact. The result was a report that not only informed readers but also sparked a conversation about the role of media in shaping public understanding of military actions. As more covert wars unfold, the lessons from this investigation will be increasingly relevant in ensuring that the voices of those affected are heard.