Al-Shabaab Terrorist Network: The Nature of this Enemy

In 2020, U.S. Africa Command has conducted 46 airstrikes to degrade the al-Shabaab terrorist network.



By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Aug 28, 2020
View Gallery
fallback
Gallery contains 1 image

U.S. Africa Command continues to train Somali forces and support operations with precision airstrikes. In 2020, U.S. Africa Command has conducted 46 airstrikes to degrade the al-Shabaab terrorist network. 

Al-Shabaab is a dangerous enemy that presents a threat to Somalia, its neighbors, and the United States. This Al-Qaeda aligned terrorist organization increasingly employs lies, engages in criminal acts, and blends into communities to create fear and intimidate local populations. They have engaged in a series of violent acts with no regard for the Laws of Armed Conflict, to include previously attacking a hospital and deliberately seeking to place civilians in harm’s way using protected structures, such as mosques, for military and offensive fighting purposes.    

Al-Shabaab routinely attacks Somali citizens, military forces, and partners. Somali forces, the U.S., and international partners work toward preserving life while increasing security, stability, and ultimately, the long-term possibility of increased prosperity. Al-Shabaab relies on misinformation and lies, and the group continues to put out false information to include this week’s erroneous claim about the death of U.S. forces in an attack. 

U.S. Africa Command will continue to expose the nature of this enemy and who and what they represent—an empty future.

**Statement attributed to Col. Chris Karns, director of public affairs, U.S. Africa Command

More in Media Room
Military Leaders Convene in Naples for AFRICOM Strategic Alignment Conference
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Component Commanders and Senior Enlisted Leaders convened in Naples, Italy for a pivotal conference, hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF), November 14-15, 2023.
Read more
Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa celebrates Partner Appreciation Day
The Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and partners from Djibouti alongside seven other allied nations celebrated Partner Appreciation Day Nov. 8, 2023, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Read more
2023 West Africa Logistics Conference: Gathering Senior Logisticians to Address Regional Security Challenges
The 2023 West Africa Logistics Conference in Abidjan, hosted by U.S. Africa Command and Côte d’Ivoire, united regional leaders to tackle logistics hurdles in combating crises, including terrorism. Representatives from 12 nations and regional organizations discussed enhancing interoperability and military readiness. The conference recognized current challenges like equipment compatibility and addressed solutions like joint exercises and boosting local production. Commitments were made to strengthen ongoing collaboration for improved regional logistics and security.
Read more
More in Media Room
Military Leaders Convene in Naples for AFRICOM Strategic Alignment Conference
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Component Commanders and Senior Enlisted Leaders convened in Naples, Italy for a pivotal conference, hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF), November 14-15, 2023.
Read more
Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa celebrates Partner Appreciation Day
The Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and partners from Djibouti alongside seven other allied nations celebrated Partner Appreciation Day Nov. 8, 2023, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Read more
2023 West Africa Logistics Conference: Gathering Senior Logisticians to Address Regional Security Challenges
The 2023 West Africa Logistics Conference in Abidjan, hosted by U.S. Africa Command and Côte d’Ivoire, united regional leaders to tackle logistics hurdles in combating crises, including terrorism. Representatives from 12 nations and regional organizations discussed enhancing interoperability and military readiness. The conference recognized current challenges like equipment compatibility and addressed solutions like joint exercises and boosting local production. Commitments were made to strengthen ongoing collaboration for improved regional logistics and security.
Read more
More in Media Room
Military Leaders Convene in Naples for AFRICOM Strategic Alignment Conference
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) Component Commanders and Senior Enlisted Leaders convened in Naples, Italy for a pivotal conference, hosted by U.S. Naval Forces Europe and Africa (NAVEUR-NAVAF), November 14-15, 2023.
Read more
Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa celebrates Partner Appreciation Day
The Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA) and partners from Djibouti alongside seven other allied nations celebrated Partner Appreciation Day Nov. 8, 2023, at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
Read more
2023 West Africa Logistics Conference: Gathering Senior Logisticians to Address Regional Security Challenges
The 2023 West Africa Logistics Conference in Abidjan, hosted by U.S. Africa Command and Côte d’Ivoire, united regional leaders to tackle logistics hurdles in combating crises, including terrorism. Representatives from 12 nations and regional organizations discussed enhancing interoperability and military readiness. The conference recognized current challenges like equipment compatibility and addressed solutions like joint exercises and boosting local production. Commitments were made to strengthen ongoing collaboration for improved regional logistics and security.
Read more