Department of Defense Statement on Dec. 2 Airstrike in Somalia

The Department of Defense confirms that a senior leader of al-Shabaab is dead as a result of a U.S. military airstrike in Somalia undertaken on Dec. 2.

By Department of Defense Dec 08, 2015

View Gallery

Gallery contains 1 image

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Dec. 2 Airstrike in Somalia

Press Operations

Release No: NR-462-15
December 7, 2015

The Department of Defense confirms that Abdirahman Sandhere, also known as "Ukash," a senior leader of the al Qaeda-affiliated group al-Shabaab, is dead as a result of a U.S. military airstrike in Somalia undertaken on Dec. 2. Two other al Shabaab-affiliated associates were also killed in the strike that specifically targeted Abdirahman Sandhere.

Ukash's removal from the battlefield is a significant blow to al-Shabaab and reflects the painstaking work by our intelligence, military, and law enforcement professionals.

This is an important step forward in the fight against al-Shabaab, and the United States will continue to use the tools at our disposal -- financial, diplomatic, intelligence and military -- to dismantle al-Shabaab and other terrorist groups who threaten United States, interests and persons.

We will also continue to support our international partners, particularly the African Union Mission in Somalia, that are working to support the government of the Federal Republic of Somalia in building a secure and stable future for the Somali people.

Original Release

U.S. Forces Conclude Operation Targeting ISIS-Somalia

AFRICA SHIELD 2025: Strengthening Counterproliferation Efforts Across Africa

Gen. Michael Langley

U.S. Africa Command Conducts Change of Command Ceremony

AFRICOM and Kenya Defence forces issue first-ever African chiefs of defense joint communiqué, setting course for continental security opportunities

U.S. Forces Conclude Operation Targeting ISIS-Somalia

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, concluded a two-week operation Aug. 23, 2025, that included multiple airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia in the Puntland region of Somalia.

U.S. Africa Command Quarterly Civilian Harm Assessment Report

U.S. Forces Conduct Series of Strikes Supporting Somali National Army, Targeting al Shabaab

(this is an update to the previous August 1, 2025 press release)

U.S. Forces Conclude Operation Targeting ISIS-Somalia

U.S. Africa Command Quarterly Civilian Harm Assessment Report

U.S. Forces Conduct Series of Strikes Supporting Somali National Army, Targeting al Shabaab

(this is an update to the previous August 1, 2025 press release)

U.S. Forces Conclude Operation Targeting ISIS-Somalia

U.S. Africa Command Quarterly Civilian Harm Assessment Report

U.S. Forces Conduct Series of Strikes Supporting Somali National Army, Targeting al Shabaab

(this is an update to the previous August 1, 2025 press release)

United States Africa Command

Department of Defense Statement on Dec. 2 Airstrike in Somalia

The Department of Defense confirms that a senior leader of al-Shabaab is dead as a result of a U.S. military airstrike in Somalia undertaken on Dec. 2.

Department of Defense Statement on Nov. 13 Airstrike in Libya (1) of (1)

Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Dec. 2 Airstrike in Somalia