Why the U.S. Military is in Somalia

An officer from the Kenya Defence Forces speaks to media at a simulated press conference March 3, 2016, during a course in Nairobi, Kenya to train African Union Mission in Somalia staff officers prior to deployment. The press conference tested the officers’ ability to answer questions accurately, confidently and without revealing sensitive military information. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Kate Thornton)

By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs , United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Nov 29, 2017

Commander’s Visit to East Africa Reiterates Security Partnerships, Cooperation

“Despite the growing threats of terrorist groups like ISIS and al Shabaab, our continued partnership with Djibouti furthers our ability to counter terrorism and promote peace and security,” Langley said.

U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting al Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against al Shabaab on June 19, 2025.

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against al Shabaab on June 14, 2025.

Commander’s Visit to East Africa Reiterates Security Partnerships, Cooperation

U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting al Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against al Shabaab on June 19, 2025.

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against al Shabaab on June 14, 2025.

Commander’s Visit to East Africa Reiterates Security Partnerships, Cooperation

U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting al Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against al Shabaab on June 19, 2025.

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against al Shabaab on June 14, 2025.