An expanding chorus in Congress is urging the Pentagon to make amends to a Somali family following an investigation by The Intercept into a 2018 U.S. drone strike that killed a woman and her 4-year-old daughter.
Growing Pressure on the Pentagon
The pressure on the Pentagon has been mounting, with government watchdogs rebuking the Defense Department for failing to accurately track law of war violations. The Government Accountability Office singled out officials at U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) for not reporting all alleged law of war violations as required.
Calls for Compensation
Since late January, several members of Congress, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Reps. Barbara Lee, and Jim McGovern, have called on the Pentagon to compensate the family of Luul Dahir Mohamed and Mariam Shilow Muse, who were killed in the U.S. strike. Human rights organizations have also joined in demanding reparations for the family.
The Tragic Incident
The 2018 attack in Somalia killed at least three civilians, including Luul and Mariam. Despite a U.S. military investigation acknowledging the deaths of a woman and child, their identities were never confirmed. The family has been trying to contact the U.S. government for over five years but received no response.
Apology and Responsibility
Congress members are emphasizing the need for the U.S. to apologize, take responsibility, and make amends for civilian casualties resulting from military actions. The failure to address these issues undermines the credibility of the Department of Defense’s commitment to preventing and addressing civilian harm.
Government Accountability Office Report
A recent GAO report criticized Pentagon policies regarding potential war crimes, highlighting the lack of comprehensive records of alleged law of war violations by AFRICOM and CENTCOM. Outdated policies and incomplete records pose challenges to fully implementing the law of war.
Accountability and Amends
The Pentagon’s inquiry into the attack revealed confusion and inexperience among the Americans conducting the strike. Despite mistaking a woman and child for an adult male, no one was held accountable for their deaths. Members of Congress are calling for a re-examination of such cases and accountability for innocent victims of U.S. actions.
Moving Forward
As pressure mounts on the Pentagon to address civilian casualties resulting from military operations, calls for accountability, compensation, and adherence to international law are gaining momentum. The tragic incident in Somalia serves as a stark reminder of the human cost of armed conflicts and the importance of upholding ethical standards in warfare.
In conclusion, the demands for justice and reparations for the Somali family killed in the 2018 drone strike reflect a broader push for accountability and transparency in U.S. military operations. As Congress members continue to advocate for amends and compensation, the Pentagon faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of civilian casualties and adherence to international humanitarian law.