Exercise Cutlass Express 2026 sponsored by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and enabled by U.S. Sixth Fleet kicks off in Port Louis, Mauritius Feb. 2-12.
Members from U.S. Africa Command joined U.S. AFRICOM senior leadership, U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander, U.S. AFRICOM; and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Garric Banfield, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. AFRICOM; U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau; Chargè d’Affaires Susan Burns; and Kenyan Defence and state officials at the construction site for a new runway expansion and airfield infrastructure project Jan. 29, 2026, in Manda Bay, Kenya. Fostered as an opportunity to further enhance counterterrorism and security cooperation efforts between the partner defense forces, this project also strengthens Kenyan military’s operational capacity, presence, and capability.
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia -- U.S. Air Force Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), and U.S. Army Command Sgt. Maj. Garric Banfield, command senior enlisted leader, U.S. AFRICOM, honored African peacekeepers and service members who gave their lives in the pursuit of peace, stability, and security across the continent during a wreath-laying ceremony at the African Union Memorial Wall, Jan. 28, 2026, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
U.S. Africa Command strengthens relationships with African partner nations through multinational exercises and military-to-military engagements. This cooperation enhances defense capabilities, improves effectiveness, and ensures readiness to face complex security challenges.
Working alongside regional partners, U.S. Africa Command conducts military operations to disrupt, degrade, and neutralize violent extremist organizations posing transnational threats. These operations not only protect U.S. interests but also foster the development of capabilities and sustained readiness among our partners.
U.S. Africa Command is committed to protecting U.S. personnel and facilities within the region. By working closely with partner nations, we ensure all forces are equipped with the capabilities and readiness necessary to respond effectively to any crisis.
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab militants from Jan. 21-22, 2026.
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 1, 2026.
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Jan. 30, 2026.