U.S. Military sets new record for Airstrikes in Somalia

The U.S. military has carried out nearly 50 airstrikes in Somalia so far this year, marking a steep increase in operations by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) as it intensifies attacks on armed groups operating in the country.

The latest strike targeted Al-Shabaab fighters about 80 miles northwest of Kismayo, AFRICOM said in a statement released Monday.

The command said the attack brought the total number of strikes in Somalia this year to 49—within just the first three months of the year.

AFRICOM said these operations are being conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali security forces, with the goal of degrading Al-Shabaab’s ability to target U.S. forces and American citizens overseas.

The command did not provide further details on the type of aircraft, units, or weapons used in the strike, citing operational security concerns.

The increasing tempo of strikes follows a record year in 2025 when AFRICOM conducted nearly 125 strikes in Somalia—surpassing the previous high of 63 strikes reported in 2019. The pace of operations in the opening months of 2026 suggests an acceleration beyond last year’s level.

AFRICOM’s strikes are not confined to a single area. In northern Somalia the command has regularly struck ISIS-affiliated militants operating around the Golis Mountains, while Al-Shabaab remains active across large parts of southern and central Somalia.

Al-Shabaab has long been the country’s most powerful armed group. The Somalia branch of ISIS—formed in 2015 by defectors from Al-Shabaab—has also drawn foreign fighters in recent years.

U.S. forces have operated in Somalia for many years, providing training, advice, and intelligence support to local forces combating hardline militants.

Last year’s surge in strikes followed an order from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that granted AFRICOM commanders broader authority to decide when to conduct airstrikes.

The renewed uptick in strikes underscores Washington’s view of Somalia as a key front in the fight against jihadist groups. At the same time, the intensified campaign is likely to revive debates over the scope of U.S. operations, their effect on Somalia’s overall security, and the direction of American strategy in the Horn of Africa.

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