U.S. self-defense strikes in Somalia

On Sept. 26, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces conducted a self-defense strike against al-Shabaab in Caba, near Kismayo, Somalia.



By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Sep 27, 2016
View Gallery
fallback
Gallery contains 1 image

On Sept. 26, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces conducted a self-defense strike against al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-associated terrorist group, in Caba, near Kismayo, Somalia.

During a Somali-led counterterrorism operation, a group of armed al-Shabaab fighters attacked, threatening the safety and security of the Somali force and their U.S. advisors. Somali forces returned fire in self-defense, killing several militants.  However, enemy fighters continued to attack the Somali force. In response, the U.S. conducted a self-defense strike to neutralize the threat, killing four (4) enemy fighters.

The U.S. remains committed to our partners in eliminating terrorism and advancing security in the region.  Violent extremists endanger the safety and stability of the Somali people; countering these threats remains in our common interests.

More in Operations
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Oct. 3, 2025.
Read more
AFRICOM Support Leads to Cocaine Seizure
U.S. Africa Command support to the French Navy led to the seizure of almost 10 tons of cocaine on Sept. 22. 2025.
Read more
Lapse In Appropriations
The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sept. 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status, without pay, until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.
Read more
More in Operations
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Oct. 3, 2025.
Read more
AFRICOM Support Leads to Cocaine Seizure
U.S. Africa Command support to the French Navy led to the seizure of almost 10 tons of cocaine on Sept. 22. 2025.
Read more
Lapse In Appropriations
The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sept. 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status, without pay, until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.
Read more
More in Operations
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Oct. 3, 2025.
Read more
AFRICOM Support Leads to Cocaine Seizure
U.S. Africa Command support to the French Navy led to the seizure of almost 10 tons of cocaine on Sept. 22. 2025.
Read more
Lapse In Appropriations
The most recent appropriations for the Department of War expired at 11:59 p.m. EDT on Sept. 30, 2025. Military personnel will continue in a normal duty status, without pay, until such time as a continuing resolution or appropriations are passed by Congress and signed into law. Civilian personnel not engaged in excepted activities will be placed in a non-work, non-pay status.
Read more