Increased Airstrikes in Somalia by US Reach Beyond 2024 Numbers
The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has escalated airstrikes in Somalia to pressure militant groups, according to Gen. Michael E. Langley, the head of the command. As of May 30, the U.S. has conducted over 25 airstrikes in Somalia this year, double the number from 2024, involving drones and Navy aircraft.
Langley emphasized that the U.S. is actively targeting and eliminating jihadists in Somalia, reflecting the ongoing efforts of Islamic State and al-Shabab militants to establish themselves in the East African country. The intensified air campaign comes with more leeway granted to commanders by the Trump administration to conduct attacks without White House approval.
In a statement on May 27, AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, vowed to degrade al-Shabab's ability to threaten the U.S., its forces, and its citizens abroad. However, the increased operations have been overshadowed by U.S. military operations against the Houthis in Yemen and the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Niger, making it challenging to monitor militant activity in the region.
While airstrikes have supported Somali ground operations against the Islamic State and al-Shabab, these groups have been adapting their tactics, relying more on ambushes and improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Langley noted that the increasing frequency and complexity of these attacks demonstrate the growing threat these groups pose.
On April 16, American aircraft struck boats carrying advanced conventional weapons in Somalian waters, preventing them from reaching al-Shabab terrorists. AFRICOM stated that the weapons posed an imminent threat to partner and U.S. forces in Somalia.
AFRICOM's strategy focuses on direct military support to Somali-led operations and fostering greater self-reliance among African security forces. It seeks to prevent these groups from expanding their influence and posing threats to regional stability and U.S. interests.
In a statement, AFRICOM underlined its commitment to minimizing civilian harm and ensuring their safety remains a priority during its operations. Recent airstrikes have reportedly resulted in the deaths of senior al-Shabab leader Mohamed Mire and ISIS recruiter Ahmed Maeleninine, among others.
The broader context involves ongoing debate about the future of AFRICOM, with proposals to merge it into European Command, primarily due to cost considerations. However, for now, AFRICOM continues its mission to counter transnational threats and maintain security alongside its African partners.
- The military operations in Somalia against militant groups like al-Shabab and the Islamic State are largely driven by the U.S. Defense Department's focus on security and national interests.
- The Pentagon has granted more leeway to commanders, enabling them to conduct airstrikes without White House approval, as part of the ongoing war-and-conflicts in Africa.
- AFRICOM's airstrikes, involving drones and Navy aircraft, are not only targeting jihadists in Somalia but also preventing the delivery of advanced conventional weapons to these groups.
- In an effort to degrade al-Shabab's ability to threaten the U.S., AFRICOM, along with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, has escalated its air campaign and started using forcier tactics, such as drone strikes.
- The general news surrounding AFRICOM's operations isn't just about war-and-conflicts, but also politics, as discussions about merging AFRICOM into European Command have arisen due to financial considerations.
- AFRICOM's strategy emphasizes the direct military support to Somali-led operations, fostering self-reliance among African security forces, and mitigating space-force threats posed by militant groups in the region, maintaining stability and securing U.S. interests.
