Overview
- U.S. Africa Command said American aircraft struck al‑Shabab targets in southern Somalia over the past week, ending a roughly monthlong stretch with no reported air attacks.
- AFRICOM described the strikes as intended to degrade the group and to enable Somali forces, and the command has counted dozens of strikes so far this year as part of an elevated campaign.
- Officials declined to disclose specific units or aircraft to protect operational security, saying strike decisions are data driven and coordinated with Somalia’s federal forces.
- Local Somali outlets reported that air attacks were paired with ground actions involving the Danab unit and claimed about 14 militant deaths, but those casualty and ground‑force claims have not been independently verified by U.S. statements.
- The operations build on a 2025 U.S. directive that expanded AFRICOM commanders’ strike authority and could shape how the U.S. balances direct strikes, training, and advisory support for Somali forces going forward.