U.S. conducts airstrike in support of the Federal Government of Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces conducted an airstrike in self-defense, targeting al-Shabaab militants 50 kilometers northwest of Kismayo, Lower Juba Province, Somalia, on Sept. 21, 2018.



By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Sep 22, 2018
View Gallery
U.S. conducts airstrike in support of the Federal Government of Somalia
Gallery contains 1 image

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces conducted an airstrike in self-defense, targeting al-Shabaab militants 50 kilometers northwest of Kismayo, Lower Juba Province, Somalia, on Sept. 21, 2018.

The U.S. airstrike was conducted against militants after U.S. and partner forces came under attack. We currently assess eighteen (18) terrorists were killed in the strike. Two (2) other terrorists were killed by Somali forces with small arms fire during the engagement.     

We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed in this airstrike.

U.S. forces will continue to use all authorized and appropriate measures to protect U.S. citizens and to disable terrorist threats. This includes partnering with AMISOM and Somali National Security Forces in combined counterterrorism operations and targeting terrorists, their training camps, and their safe havens throughout Somalia and the region.

More in Media Room
Interagency forum looks at U.S. investment in Africa to support U.S. security
Interagency forum looks at U.S. investment in Africa to support U.S. security
More than 160 civilian and military representatives from the Departments of War, State and Commerce met March 26-27, 2026, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to identify strategic priorities and opportunities for the United States in Africa as part of the Africa Strategic Integration Dialogue (ASID).
Read more
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al-Shabaab
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al-Shabaab
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on March 27, 2026.
Read more
U.S., Ivorian Armed Forces Enhance Readiness
U.S., Ivorian Armed Forces Enhance Readiness
Logicians from U.S. Africa Command conducted a military-to-military engagement with the Armed Forces of Côte d'Ivoire to enhance vehicle maintenance and supply programs, March 10-13, 2026.
Read more
More in Media Room
Interagency forum looks at U.S. investment in Africa to support U.S. security
Interagency forum looks at U.S. investment in Africa to support U.S. security
More than 160 civilian and military representatives from the Departments of War, State and Commerce met March 26-27, 2026, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to identify strategic priorities and opportunities for the United States in Africa as part of the Africa Strategic Integration Dialogue (ASID).
Read more
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al-Shabaab
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al-Shabaab
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on March 27, 2026.
Read more
U.S., Ivorian Armed Forces Enhance Readiness
U.S., Ivorian Armed Forces Enhance Readiness
Logicians from U.S. Africa Command conducted a military-to-military engagement with the Armed Forces of Côte d'Ivoire to enhance vehicle maintenance and supply programs, March 10-13, 2026.
Read more
More in Media Room
Interagency forum looks at U.S. investment in Africa to support U.S. security
Interagency forum looks at U.S. investment in Africa to support U.S. security
More than 160 civilian and military representatives from the Departments of War, State and Commerce met March 26-27, 2026, at Ramstein Air Base, Germany, to identify strategic priorities and opportunities for the United States in Africa as part of the Africa Strategic Integration Dialogue (ASID).
Read more
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al-Shabaab
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on March 27, 2026.
Read more
U.S., Ivorian Armed Forces Enhance Readiness
Logicians from U.S. Africa Command conducted a military-to-military engagement with the Armed Forces of Côte d'Ivoire to enhance vehicle maintenance and supply programs, March 10-13, 2026.
Read more