Federal Government of Somalia, AFRICOM conduct airstrike against al-Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab compound in the vicinity of Saakow, Somalia, on Feb. 22, 2020.

By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs , United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Feb 22, 2020

View Gallery

Gallery contains 1 image

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab compound in the vicinity of Saakow, Somalia, on Feb. 22, 2020.

“Al-Shabaab kills regularly and indiscriminately,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Miguel Castellanos, U.S. Africa Command deputy director of operations. “This al-Qaida affiliate exploits innocent Somalis, displaces families, and imposes illegal taxes through force and violence. They want to export their vision of destruction more widely. It is our collective international efforts and persistent pressure that prevents this from occurring.”

Initial assessments conclude two terrorists were killed, one terrorist was wounded, and an al-Shabaab compound was reduced as a result of this precision airstrike.

We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.

Somalia remains key to the security environment of East Africa, and its long-term stability is important to advancing U.S. interests in the region. We will continue to work together on our support of the Federal Government of Somalia in its effort to bring improved governance, development and stability to the Somali people.

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.

AFRICA SHIELD 2025: Strengthening Counterproliferation Efforts Across Africa

From August 4-6, 2025, DTRA's International Counterproliferation Program (ICP), in partnership with the EU CBRN CoE and UNICRI, hosted the AFRICA SHIELD 2025 Regional Counterproliferation Workshop in Rabat, Morocco. This inaugural workshop brought together nearly 100 participants from across the African continent, representing law enforcement, military, policy, and UNSCR-1540 national-level coordination.

U.S. Africa Command Conducts Change of Command Ceremony

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) held a Change of Command ceremony August 15 at Kelley Barracks in Stuttgart, Germany, as Marine Corps General Michael E. Langley formally transferred command to Air Force General Dagvin R.M. Anderson.

U.S. Forces Conclude Operation Targeting ISIS-Somalia

AFRICA SHIELD 2025: Strengthening Counterproliferation Efforts Across Africa

U.S. Africa Command Conducts Change of Command Ceremony

U.S. Forces Conclude Operation Targeting ISIS-Somalia

AFRICA SHIELD 2025: Strengthening Counterproliferation Efforts Across Africa

U.S. Africa Command Conducts Change of Command Ceremony

United States Africa Command

Federal Government of Somalia, AFRICOM conduct airstrike against al-Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab compound in the vicinity of Saakow, Somalia, on Feb. 22, 2020.

AFRICOM logo JPG_release thumbnail