From Drop Site News · · 1m 40s
UAE Drone Strike Kills Somali Family
UAE drone strike in Somalia’s Al-Miskaad mountains kills four family members, wounding five.
In brief
UAE drone strike in Somalia’s Al-Miskaad mountains kills four family members, wounding five. A UAE drone strike on January 26, 2025, killed four members of the Reer Yusuf Mohamud Salah family in Somalia’s Al-Miskaad mountains. Originally reported by Drop Site News.
UAE Drone Strike in Somalia
A UAE military base in Bosasso launched drone strikes targeting ISIS militants in Somalia’s Al-Miskaad mountains.
Family Killed in Strike
Khadra Abdi Ismael, 38, and four family members died in a drone strike on January 26, 2025, in Togga-Xarago, Somalia.
Family Survivors Wounded
Five family members were wounded, including a pregnant woman who lost movement in her arm and has shrapnel in her neck.
Livestock Destroyed
The family lost six camels and 400 goats, destroying their only source of income.
UAE Military Base Operations
UAE drones operate from a base in Bosasso, used for counter-terrorism in Puntland’s Al-Miskaad mountains.
UAE and US Roles
The UAE carried out drone strikes in Q1 2025, while the US took the lead in Puntland’s counter-ISIS operations by late 2025.
Puntland Security Officials
Puntland security officials say UAE drone strikes are 'catastrophic' and 'reckless' with no accountability.
Family Relocation
The family was ordered to leave Dhadaar by government forces in December 2024 but was bombed in January 2025.
Current UAE Involvement
UAE continues security support for Puntland’s PMPF, including training and salaries, despite halting drone strikes in 2026.
Family’s Current Situation
The family remains in Balidhidin, where they see planes flying overhead, remembering the drone strike.
What to remember
A UAE drone strike on January 26, 2025, killed four members of the Reer Yusuf Mohamud Salah family in Somalia’s Al-Miskaad mountains.
