Federal Government of Somalia, AFRICOM target al-Shabaab senior leader

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab senior leader in the vicinity of Saakow, Somalia, on Aug. 25, 2020.



By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Aug 25, 2020
View Gallery
Federal Government of Somalia, AFRICOM target al-Shabaab senior leader
Gallery contains 1 image

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab senior leader in the vicinity of Saakow, Somalia, on Aug. 25, 2020.  

“Working with our Somali partners, we continue to weaken and degrade the al-Shabaab network,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford Gering, deputy director for operations, U.S. Africa Command. “Our efforts are increasing security and helping to disrupt al-Shabaab’s future plans and ambitions.”

Together with partner and international forces, U.S. Africa Command activities are designed to improve security conditions and prevent al-Shabaab's desire to expand their reach. 

The command's initial assessment concluded this airstrike killed one (1) terrorist. 

U.S. Africa Command currently assesses no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.

U.S. Africa Command and our international partners recognize that stability in Somalia will not be achieved through purely military means. It requires strong governance and providing economic programs and opportunity for the Somali people. 

In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces contribute to the training of Somali forces and use a range of effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people. 

U.S. Africa Command continues to work with its Somali partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.

More in Media Room
U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia from Feb. 22-26, 2026.
Read more
Justified Accord 2026 begins in Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti
Justified Accord 2026 begins in Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti
Exercise Justified Accord 2026 (JA26), U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual, multinational exercise in East Africa, officially begins today across Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), JA26 integrates approximately 1,500 personnel from Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, the United States and several other nations to build readiness, deepen partnerships and strengthen regional security.
Read more
AFRICOM Tech Expo connects innovators with mission-critical needs
AFRICOM Tech Expo connects innovators with mission-critical needs
The Kelley Barracks fitness center transformed into a hub of innovation as U.S. Africa Command personnel connected with technology experts at the AFRICOM Tech Expo, Feb. 24, 2026.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia from Feb. 22-26, 2026.
Read more
Justified Accord 2026 begins in Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti
Justified Accord 2026 begins in Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti
Exercise Justified Accord 2026 (JA26), U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual, multinational exercise in East Africa, officially begins today across Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), JA26 integrates approximately 1,500 personnel from Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, the United States and several other nations to build readiness, deepen partnerships and strengthen regional security.
Read more
AFRICOM Tech Expo connects innovators with mission-critical needs
AFRICOM Tech Expo connects innovators with mission-critical needs
The Kelley Barracks fitness center transformed into a hub of innovation as U.S. Africa Command personnel connected with technology experts at the AFRICOM Tech Expo, Feb. 24, 2026.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
U.S. Forces Conduct Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia from Feb. 22-26, 2026.
Read more
Justified Accord 2026 begins in Kenya, Tanzania, Djibouti
Exercise Justified Accord 2026 (JA26), U.S. Africa Command’s largest annual, multinational exercise in East Africa, officially begins today across Djibouti, Kenya and Tanzania. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), JA26 integrates approximately 1,500 personnel from Djibouti, Kenya, Tanzania, the United States and several other nations to build readiness, deepen partnerships and strengthen regional security.
Read more
AFRICOM Tech Expo connects innovators with mission-critical needs
The Kelley Barracks fitness center transformed into a hub of innovation as U.S. Africa Command personnel connected with technology experts at the AFRICOM Tech Expo, Feb. 24, 2026.
Read more