U.S. Conducts 23 Airstrikes in Somalia This Month Targeting Al-Shabaab and ISIS

MOGADISHU, Somalia — The U.S. has carried out 23 airstrikes in Somalia so far this year targeting Al-Shabaab and ISIS, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said Wednesday.

AFRICOM spokesperson Major Mahalia Frost said the increase in strikes is part of a broader U.S. effort across Africa to counter ISIS, including recent strikes in Nigeria. She noted that instability in Somalia and Nigeria is interconnected, highlighting the need for regional cooperation and intelligence sharing.

Lieutenant General John Brennan, AFRICOM’s deputy commander, added that the U.S. works closely with partner nations, providing military support, intelligence, and equipment to counter terrorist threats directly.

The strikes in Somalia have increased significantly, with the Trump administration authorizing 219 air and ground operations over four years. Somali authorities said this month that a senior Al-Shabaab leader was killed in a joint operation.

The U.S. has been involved in Somalia for years, particularly in operations against Al-Shabaab and ISIS, conducting strikes in the country since the mid-2000s following the rise of Al-Shabaab.

GAROWE ONLINE