Overview

• U.S. Africa Command carried out the airstrike on May 27 targeting al-Shabab positions approximately 40 miles northwest of Kismayo.
• Somali Armed Forces provided intelligence and logistical support to execute the precision strike.
• AFRICOM said the mission aimed to disrupt al-Shabab’s ability to plan and execute attacks against U.S. forces and local communities.
• The strike follows previous counterterror operations including the December 2023 killing of an al-Shabab leader and multiple actions against ISIS planners earlier this year.
• Somalia has granted U.S. forces exclusive access to key air bases and seaports to strengthen long-term security cooperation.