In September, a seven-year-old Somali boy severely injured in a 2025 U.S. drone strike underwent life-changing surgery in Mogadishu, made possible by funds raised by international donors. Abdiqadir Salah was among at least 12 civilians, including eight children, killed or wounded in the attack on the village of Jamaame, Somalia, according to a previous investigation.

Abdiqadir’s injuries were grave; shrapnel from the strike remained lodged in his back, threatening to impair his mobility if left untreated. His mother, Marian Haji Abdi Guled, struggled to afford the necessary operation, as the family had no income and mounting expenses during nearly a year in Mogadishu. Following public attention on their plight, a group of readers from a global news outlet collectively raised enough money to cover Abdiqadir’s surgery, rehabilitation, and additional medical care for his two siblings, who sustained less severe injuries in the strike.

Guled expressed deep gratitude for the support, saying she was overwhelmed by the generosity of strangers. On the morning of the surgery at Kaafi hospital, she experienced anxiety as the procedure extended longer than expected. Surgeons successfully removed two of the three shrapnel pieces but decided against extracting the third due to the risk of paralysis. Medical staff will continue to monitor the remaining fragment closely. In the weeks after surgery, Abdiqadir appeared healthy and active, reporting no pain despite the retained shrapnel.

The drone strike raised significant questions about U.S. military intelligence and targeting methods, particularly how children could have been harmed while clearly visible during the operation. The U.S. government has not addressed inquiries about the incident.

The region around Jamaame continues to experience U.S. military activity. Research by the New America think tank documented at least three additional airstrikes near the town between December 2025 and July 2026. Residents maintain that drones frequently patrol the area, contributing to ongoing fear and instability. Guled stated that she cannot return to Jamaame as long as drone operations persist.

With the remaining funds from the fundraising effort, Guled plans to move her family to Kismayo, a government-controlled port city not currently targeted by drone strikes. This relocation aims to provide a safer environment for Abdiqadir and access to potential further medical treatment.

Nearly a year after the strike, Guled calls for accountability from the U.S. government. "My son has been left scarred for life," she said, urging responsible parties to halt the bombing of civilian communities like hers.