Somalia: U.S. military surges airstrikes against ISIS and al-Qaida-linked militants
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Staff Reporter GAROWE ONLINE
- Posted On 03-04-2026, 08:57AM
MOGADISHU, Somalia — The United States has intensified airstrikes in Somalia, with nearly 50 attacks recorded in the first three months of 2026, according to the U.S. military’s Africa Command, signaling a sharp increase in operations against militant groups.
In a statement, U.S. Africa Command said its latest strike targeted fighters from Al-Shabaab about 80 miles northwest of Kismayo. The command said the operation brought the total number of airstrikes this year to 49.
The military said the strikes were conducted in close coordination with the Somali federal government and local security forces, aiming to weaken Al-Shabaab’s capabilities. However, AFRICOM did not provide further details on the aircraft, units, or weapons used, citing operational security.
The increase follows a record year in 2025, when AFRICOM carried out about 125 strikes, surpassing the previous high of 63 recorded in 2019. Current figures suggest that 2026 could exceed those totals if the pace continues.
U.S. air operations are not limited to one region. In northeastern Somalia, particularly the Al-Miskaad Mountains under the Puntland state, fighters linked to the Islamic State are regularly targeted. At the same time, Al-Shabaab remains active across large parts of southern and central Somalia.
U.S. forces have long maintained a presence in Somalia, providing training, advice, and intelligence support to local forces battling extremist groups. The rise in strikes follows a military decision. The military said the strikes were conducted in close coordination with the Somali federal government and local security forcese Hegseth granted AFRICOM commanders broader authority to determine when to conduct air operations.
The surge underscores Washington’s view of Somalia as a key front in the fight against jihadist groups, even as it risks renewing debate over the impact of such operations on overall security and U.S. strategy in the Horn of Africa.
GAROWE ONLINE
