US Drone Strike Victim Receives Life-Changing Operation

A life-changing operation has been made possible for seven-year-old Abdiqadir Salah after a Guardian investigation revealed that he was among the civilians injured in a US drone strike in Somalia last year. The devastating attack on the village of Jamaame left at least 12 civilians dead and many others seriously hurt, including Abdiqadir's siblings.

Abdiqadir's mother, Marian Haji Abdi Guled, had been waiting anxiously for this day to arrive as she prepared to take her son to hospital. On a rickshaw ride through the streets of Mogadishu, Guled felt a mix of emotions: relief and apprehension mixed together in anticipation of the operation that would determine her son's future mobility.

The US drone strike had left Abdiqadir with severe injuries; shrapnel from the attack was still embedded in his back. Doctors warned that if not removed, these fragments could render him unable to walk. For 10 long months, Guled and her family struggled financially, unable to afford the surgery their son desperately needed.

A group of Guardian readers from around the world responded with kindness after reading about Abdiqadir's story as part of a recent investigation into the civilian casualties of the US drone strike. Their generosity has made it possible for Abdiqadir to undergo vital surgery and begin his road to recovery, bringing hope back to this young boy and his family.

Generous donations poured in from Guardian readers, quickly exceeding the amount needed for Abdiqadir's surgery and rehabilitation. This support extends beyond the young boy's medical needs, also covering expenses for his two siblings who suffered less severe injuries.

Guled expressed heartfelt gratitude to those who contributed to her son's care, saying she was overjoyed upon learning that enough funds had been raised to cover his treatment. Her comments reflect a sense of wonder at the kindness and generosity displayed by these individuals.

The outpouring of support from Guardian readers has provided significant relief for Guled and her family during this challenging time. Their contributions have allowed the family to focus on Abdiqadir's recovery without worrying about the financial burden of his medical care.

As Abdiqadir underwent surgery at Kaafi hospital in Mogadishu, Guled anxiously awaited news from the operating room. Her concerns were compounded when other patients were taken out before her son, leading her to knock on the door and ask if he was still alive.

Abdiqadir's condition has shown significant improvement since his surgery, with the young boy appearing bright and energized during a recent visit from journalists.

The Guardian investigation into the US airstrikes that injured Abduqadir raised several questions about the military's intelligence gathering methods, including how targets are selected and why civilians, particularly children, were hit despite being clearly visible in open areas.

US military operations in the Jamaame area have continued since the initial attack, with research by New America indicating at least three further airstrikes between December 2025 and July 2026. Residents of the town report seeing drones flying overhead on a regular basis.

The ongoing presence of drones has made it difficult for families like Guled's to return to their homes in Jamaame, as they fear being caught in another attack.

Guled plans to relocate her children to Kismayo, a government-controlled port city that has not been targeted by drone strikes, where Abdiqadir can receive further surgery if needed.

She still seeks answers from the US government about the airstrike that left her son severely injured nearly a year ago.