US Airstrikes Accused of Trapping Somali Civilians in El Niño Flood Zones

Exclusive reports from southern Somalia suggest that coordinated US airstrikes on al-Shabaab-held territory may be driving civilians into flood-prone areas along the Juba River, raising concerns about a deliberate military strategy. Residents in Jilib, including 27-year-old mother of six Cayni Ali, describe relentless drone activity that has destroyed property and killed animals and civilians, forcing people to remain near the rising river. With El Niño intensifying seasonal floods, water levels have reached waist height in some areas, leaving families with no safe escape. Humanitarian observers warn that the combination of airstrikes and flooding could lead to a catastrophic loss of life, as displaced populations are trapped between violence and natural disaster. The situation underscores the urgent need for accountability and protection of civilians in conflict zones, as climate change amplifies the risks faced by vulnerable communities.