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AFRICOM strikes militant group near Kismayo as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts in partnership with Somali forces
Over the weekend, the United States carried out an airstrike in Somalia against al-Shabab, a terrorist group linked to al-Qaeda. The airstrike, conducted by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), took place about 40 miles northwest of Kismayo, a city in southern Somalia.
According to a press release from AFRICOM, the attack targeted al-Shabab because the group continues to show it can and will attack U.S. forces. The U.S. military, in coordination with the Somali government and its armed forces, said it will keep taking action to reduce the group’s ability to plan and carry out attacks that threaten U.S. interests both in the region and abroad.
For safety reasons, AFRICOM did not release further details about the specific military units or equipment used in the operation.
Somalia has faced violence and instability for decades, largely due to ongoing threats from extremist groups like al-Shabab and ISIS. Al-Shabab has been active in the region since the early 2000s and has carried out deadly attacks within Somalia and neighboring countries. The group is known for targeting Somali government officials, civilians, and international forces, including those from the United States.
The U.S. military has played a major role in helping Somalia fight back against these terrorist groups. This includes airstrikes and other forms of military support. In April 2025, AFRICOM reported that it had conducted four airstrikes in Somalia that month—three against ISIS targets and one against al-Shabab. One of those airstrikes targeted several terrorist sites at once.
In recent years, the United States has continued to deepen its involvement in Somalia’s fight against terrorism. In March, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud reportedly sent a letter to former U.S. President Donald Trump offering the United States exclusive access to key military bases and ports in Somalia. These included the Berbera and Baledogle air bases, and the ports of Berbera and Bosaso.
The purpose of this offer, according to the letter, was to strengthen the U.S. presence in the region and support ongoing counterterrorism efforts.
However, the inclusion of Berbera in this offer caused controversy. The port city of Berbera is located in Somaliland, a region in northern Somalia that declared itself independent in 1991 after the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Although Somaliland has its own government, military, and currency, it is not officially recognized by any country, including the United States.
Offering control of a key port in Somaliland without consulting its leaders caused tension between the federal government in Mogadishu and Somaliland’s regional authorities. Somaliland has long demanded international recognition as an independent nation, but Somalia considers it part of its territory.
Despite these political issues, the United States continues to focus on counterterrorism operations in Somalia. AFRICOM has stated that its goal is to support Somali forces in defeating al-Shabab and ensuring long-term stability in the country.
In conclusion, the recent U.S. airstrike near Kismayo is part of a broader strategy to weaken terrorist groups that pose a threat to both Somalia and U.S. interests. The U.S. remains committed to working with Somalia to promote peace and security in the region, even as political tensions between the Somali federal government and Somaliland continue to simmer.