The Intercept Investigation: The Tragic Drone Strike that Killed Luul Dahir Mohamed and Mariam Shilow Muse in Somalia

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News : and to provide compensation and accountability for the innocent lives lost,” said Jennifer Gibson, a staff attorney with Reprieve, an international human rights organization that has been investigating U.S. drone strikes. “The U.S. government needs to be held accountable for its actions and take immediate steps to ensure that innocent civilians are protected in future operations.”

The investigation by The Intercept reveals a series of errors and misjudgments that led to the tragic deaths of Luul and Mariam. The U.S. military’s reliance on flawed intelligence, inexperienced personnel, and a lack of understanding of the local culture and context all contributed to the disastrous outcome of the drone strike.

The report also highlights the broader issues surrounding the U.S. drone war in Somalia. Despite the fact that Congress has never declared war in Somalia, the U.S. military has been conducting drone strikes in the country for years, targeting individuals believed to be affiliated with al-Shabab, a militant group operating in the region. The loosened rules of engagement approved by the Trump White House have allowed for a more aggressive approach, leading to an increase in civilian casualties.

The Intercept’s investigation raises important questions about the legality and effectiveness of the U.S. drone war in Somalia. Critics argue that the use of drones undermines international law and human rights norms, and that the targeting of individuals without due process or judicial oversight is a violation of basic principles of justice.

The U.S. government, however, has defended its drone program as an effective tool in the fight against terrorism. Officials argue that drones provide a way to target individuals in remote and inaccessible areas, minimizing the risk to U.S. troops and allowing for precision strikes that minimize civilian casualties.

But the case of Luul and Mariam raises serious doubts about the effectiveness and accuracy of drone strikes. The fact that the U.S. military could not even distinguish between a man and a woman, or recognize the presence of a young child, raises concerns about the reliability of the intelligence and the decision-making process.

The Intercept’s investigation also highlights the lack of transparency and accountability surrounding U.S. drone strikes. The fact that the deaths of Luul and Mariam were kept secret for over a year, and that no one has been held accountable for their deaths, is deeply troubling. It raises questions about the U.S. government’s commitment to transparency and its willingness to take responsibility for the consequences of its actions.

The story of Luul and Mariam is a tragic reminder of the human cost of war and the need for greater oversight and accountability in U.S. military operations. It is a call to action for policymakers, journalists, and the public to demand answers, seek justice, and work towards ending the cycle of violence and suffering caused by the U.S. drone war..