Why do these air strikes kill so few ? ...

[dogtag]

It's always the same; you see headlines in the paper
saying how a US airstrike killed two (name of terrorist org).
It always seems to be a mere handful - in this case twenty four.
I've no idea what the cost of the ordnance is in these cases,
but I'd bet it's out of all proportion to the kill number.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...s-Somalia.html

As the photo shows, the Al Shababs are all in uniform.
Does that make them legitimate soldiers, thus entitling
them to Geneva Convention consideration ?
Just a thought.

[Roadkingtrax]

You have heard of precision guided munitions, right?

It's not all No. 617 Squadron raids.

[Vern Humphrey]

As the photo shows, the Al Shababs are all in uniform.
Does that make them legitimate soldiers, thus entitling
them to Geneva Convention consideration ?
Just a thought.

"The people of a district who spontaneously take up arms are entitled to Geneva Convention protection, provided they bear arms openly, wear an emblem recognizable at a distance, and serve under officers who are responsible for their conduct." (Quote from memory.)

So, IF they abide by the Geneva Convention, they are entitled to its protection.

[RED]

I've no idea what the cost of the ordnance is in these cases,
but I'd bet it's out of all proportion to the kill number.

It may not be as costly as you think. The Jdam guidance system can be used to convert a MK-80 series gravity bomb to a precision guided weapon. A WWII type 2,000 lb bomb (MK-84 IIRC) can be converted for about $25,000 making the total cost around $30k.

The real question is how do we know the target was Al Shabab and how do we know for sure their weren't civilian casualties. Drones are good are part of the explanation, but the stupidity of the MSN is the real answer. In Vietnam, no matter if a Viet was a VC or not, if reported, the MSN always reported it as collateral damage and usually civilian children. Today, it is reported in accordance with what the Democrat bosses dictate.

Are a dozen Al Shababs worth $30k? You betcha? Are they worth the lives of 2 U.S. Marines as in Syria? Hell no and that's why we need to get out of Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. Isis, Al Shabab, Al Qaeda, etc will never be "conquered," because you cannot conquer an idea.

[PWC]

If you have a way to get all the insurgents to bunch up, please let us know. (Remember, don't bunch up was one of the first things the DI/TI taught).

Cost of ordnance is high but hi value targets are removed of future potential damage, or, yes, retaliation.

If you have ever hidden in the weeds with bad guys looking for you, even a 10k lb bomb costing $100k feels pretty good. To you, it is pretty important tl get rid of them....they are pretty hi value targets

[dogtag]

These "high value" targets are replaced within hours of being killed.

To get them 'bunched up' is easy. Advertise that a certain building
is full of 14 year old white girls. When they've all run, in press the switch.