The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has refuted claims that a U.S. airstrike on February 15 resulted in the deaths of two Cuban doctors who were kidnapped by the jihadist group Al Shabab in Somalia.
In a recent report, AFRICOM confirmed conducting a bombing near Jilib, a town in southern Somalia. However, military officials denied that this operation led to the deaths of the Cuban doctors. On February 17, Al Shabab claimed that the airstrike hit a house in Jilib, causing the immediate deaths of Assel Herrera and Landy Rodríguez.
The U.S. government announced it would launch an investigation to verify these allegations. After a thorough review, AFRICOM concluded that there were no civilian casualties in the operation.
The Cuban government has been unable to provide definitive information about the fate of the kidnapped doctors. Cuban authorities blamed the U.S. government for the potential deaths of the physicians.
Esteban Lazo, President of the National Assembly of Cuba, visited Kenya in February and met with President William Ruto to obtain details about the supposed deaths of the two doctors. However, after several days in the African country, he returned to Cuba without concrete information.
Doctors Assel Herrera Correa and Landy Rodríguez Hernández were abducted on April 12, 2019, in Mandera, Kenya, during a routine transfer to a local hospital. In May 2019, traditional leaders from Kenya and Somalia reported seeing the Cuban doctors providing medical services in the Somali region of Jubaland, controlled by Al Shabab. The kidnappers demanded a $1.5 million ransom for their release.
The contingent of Cuban doctors, which included Herrera and Rodríguez, was sent to Kenya in 2018 as part of a bilateral agreement to improve access to specialized healthcare services in the African nation.
The U.S. has conducted numerous military operations against Al Shabab in collaboration with the Somali army since 2007. In August 2022, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud declared a "total war" against the jihadists, leading to intensified AFRICOM airstrikes against the terrorist group, which has been affiliated with Al Qaeda since 2012.
Somalia has remained in a state of conflict and chaos since 1991, following the ousting of dictator Mohamed Siad Barre. The country has since lacked an effective government, falling under the control of various Islamist militias and warlords.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Abduction and Death of Cuban Doctors in Somalia
Here are some common questions and answers regarding the situation involving the kidnapped Cuban doctors in Somalia and the recent U.S. airstrike.
What did AFRICOM say about the deaths of the Cuban doctors?
AFRICOM denied that the U.S. airstrike on February 15 caused the deaths of the two Cuban doctors kidnapped by Al Shabab.
Who are the Cuban doctors involved in this incident?
The Cuban doctors are Assel Herrera Correa and Landy Rodríguez Hernández, who were abducted on April 12, 2019, in Mandera, Kenya.
What actions have the Cuban and U.S. governments taken?
The Cuban government has been investigating the situation but has not provided definitive information. The U.S. government initiated an investigation and concluded there were no civilian casualties in the airstrike.