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The United States has announced a reward of up to $1 million for information that helps identify or capture those responsible for a recent attack targeting U.S. military personnel and property at Kismayo International Airport in southern Somalia. The offer was made through the U.S. government’s Rewards for Justice program, which encourages members of the public to share information that can support counterterrorism efforts.
According to U.S. officials, the attack involved rockets and mortar shells fired toward the airport, where U.S. forces operate alongside Somali and African partner troops. The al-Qaida-linked militant group al-Shabab later claimed responsibility for the assault. Despite the intensity of the attack, officials confirmed that no one was injured and that U.S. facilities were not damaged.
In a statement released on a U.S. government website, the Rewards for Justice program appealed directly to the public, asking anyone with knowledge of the individuals involved to come forward. The program emphasized that credible information could lead not only to a financial reward but also to other measures, such as assistance with relocation or deportation where applicable. Authorities stressed that all tips can be submitted confidentially, with strong protections in place for informants.
Kismayo International Airport is a strategically important site in southern Somalia. It hosts a U.S. military presence alongside Somali federal forces and African partners supporting stabilization and security operations in the region. Near the airport, the United States operates a base used to train, advise, and support Somali forces, including Jubbaland troops and the elite Danab special forces. These units play a key role in ongoing operations aimed at weakening al-Shabab and improving local security.
Al-Shabab has a long history of targeting military installations, government facilities, and international forces across Somalia. The group often uses indirect fire, such as mortars and rockets, to test defenses and signal that it remains capable of striking high-profile targets. Even when attacks fail to cause casualties or damage, they are designed to spread fear, disrupt security operations, and attract attention.
Over the past decade, al-Shabab has carried out numerous deadly attacks in Somalia and in neighboring countries, killing thousands of civilians and members of the security forces. Some of these attacks have also claimed the lives of foreign nationals, including American citizens. Because of its record of violence and its ties to al-Qaida, the group remains officially designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization.
Despite sustained pressure from Somali forces and their international partners, al-Shabab continues to pose a serious threat. In response, U.S. armed forces in Somalia maintain a mission focused on advising, training, and assisting Somali and regional partners. The goal is to reduce the group’s ability to plan and carry out attacks, protect civilians, and safeguard international interests operating in the country.
U.S. officials say public cooperation is a critical part of these efforts. By offering financial rewards, the Rewards for Justice program aims to encourage people with knowledge of militant activities to share information that could help prevent future attacks. Authorities reiterated that even small details can be valuable and urged anyone with relevant information about the Kismayo airport attack to contact the program through its secure channels.