Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, AFRICOM conduct operations against al-Shabaab

As part of an African Union Mission in Somalia and Somali National Army operation, and in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted five airstrikes against al-Shabaab terrorists near Janaale, Somalia, from March 16-17, 2020.



By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Mar 19, 2020
View Gallery
fallback
Gallery contains 1 image

As part of an African Union Mission in Somalia and Somali National Army operation, and in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted five airstrikes against al-Shabaab terrorists near Janaale, Somalia, from March 16-17, 2020.

These precision airstrikes targeted members of the al-Qaida-aligned terrorist network as they massed and maneuvered in the vicinity of an ongoing Somali-led ground operation.

"We protect and remain committed to our partners - plain and simple," said Maj. Gen. William Gayler, director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. "We eliminated terrorists posing a direct and immediate threat, allowing our African partners to maintain the momentum on the ground."

Somali security forces continue to lead operations alongside AMISOM forces to increase security and seize ground from al-Shabaab.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of these airstrikes.

U.S. forces were in the area when these airstrikes occurred in order to advise and assist Somali and partner forces. 

U.S. Africa Command continues to support the Government of Somalia by strengthening its security forces and promoting regional security, stability and prosperity. Al-Shabaab continues to conduct attacks in East Africa and will continue to threaten American and western interests in the region.

Concurrently, the command is building enduring relationships and strategic alliances in East Africa necessary to address future challenges and malign activity by near-peer competitors.

The U.S., by virtue of our capabilities, influence, and credibility, is uniquely postured to support Somali efforts and counter violent extremist threats.

 

More in Media Room
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on May 31, 2025.
Read more
AFRICOM, Kenya, Kickoff 2025 African Chief of Defense Conference
The United States and Kenya co-hosts the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) in Nairobi May 28-29, 2025, bringing together senior military leaders from approximately 37 African nations to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and address shared security challenges across the continent.
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 against al Shabaab on May 24, 2025.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on May 31, 2025.
Read more
AFRICOM, Kenya, Kickoff 2025 African Chief of Defense Conference
The United States and Kenya co-hosts the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) in Nairobi May 28-29, 2025, bringing together senior military leaders from approximately 37 African nations to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and address shared security challenges across the continent.
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 against al Shabaab on May 24, 2025.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on May 31, 2025.
Read more
AFRICOM, Kenya, Kickoff 2025 African Chief of Defense Conference
The United States and Kenya co-hosts the 2025 African Chiefs of Defense Conference (ACHOD) in Nairobi May 28-29, 2025, bringing together senior military leaders from approximately 37 African nations to exchange knowledge, strengthen partnerships, and address shared security challenges across the continent.
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 against al Shabaab on May 24, 2025.
Read more