MOGADISHU (Kaab TV) – The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has confirmed that U.S. forces carried out four airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab militants in southern Somalia over the past week, underscoring Washington’s continued military support for counterterrorism operations in the country.
According to an AFRICOM statement, the strikes were conducted on June 14, 16, 18, and 19. The command did not disclose the exact locations of the operations or provide details regarding casualties, citing operational security considerations.
Somalia’s Ministry of Defense separately announced that the elite Danab Special Forces conducted an operation in southern Somalia on June 14, during which 14 Al-Shabaab fighters were reportedly killed. However, authorities did not clarify whether the operation was linked to one of the airstrikes acknowledged by AFRICOM.
The announcement marks the first time AFRICOM has publicly confirmed airstrikes in Somalia since May 6, although the Somali government has previously reported additional military operations supported by what it described as “international partners,” including air support in ongoing offensives against Al-Shabaab.
According to AFRICOM statistics, the United States has conducted at least 67 airstrikes in Somalia so far this year. The increase in operations comes after the administration of President Donald Trump eased certain restrictions governing drone strikes and military operations conducted outside officially designated combat zones, allowing commanders greater flexibility in targeting militant groups.
The latest strikes occur as Somalia continues to face significant security challenges from Al-Shabaab, which remains capable of carrying out attacks despite sustained military pressure from Somali forces, international partners, and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM).
The operations also come at a time of heightened political tensions in Somalia, where disputes over elections, constitutional reforms, and relations between the Federal Government and various political actors have contributed to a broader climate of uncertainty.
Analysts note that maintaining security gains against Al-Shabaab remains a critical priority as the country navigates both political and security challenges.