Somali forces engage al-Shabaab insurgents

At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a self-defense strike Dec. 23, 2022, in support of Somali National Army engagements against al-Shabaab 248 km northeast of Mogadishu near Cadale, Somalia.



By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs United States Africa Command Dec 23, 2022
View Gallery
fallback
Gallery contains 1 image

At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a self-defense strike Dec. 23, 2022, in support of Somali National Army engagements against al-Shabaab 248 km northeast of Mogadishu near Cadale, Somalia.

The command's initial assessment is the strike killed six al-Shabaab terrorists and that no civilians were injured or killed.

The Federal Government of Somalia and U.S. Africa Command takes great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of the command's operations to promote greater security for all Africans.

Al-Shabaab is the largest and most deadly al-Qaeda network in the world and has proven both its will and capability to attack Somali, East African, and American civilians. U.S. kinetic actions against al-Shabaab in Somalia are conducted in support of the Federal Government of Somalia's ongoing campaign to disrupt terrorist operations in their country.

Somalia remains key to the stability and security in all of East Africa. U.S. Africa Command's forces will continue training, advising, and equipping partner forces to give them the tools that they need to defeat al-Shabaab.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of these operations and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operations security.

More in Media Room
Gen. Dagvin Anderson Marks First Visit to Libya; Stresses Unity and Peace Among Leaders
In his first visit to Libya, Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, engaged with leaders from both the west and east during a two-day trip to Tripoli and Benghazi. This visit underscored the United States’ commitment to supporting ongoing Libyan efforts to overcome divisions and achieve national unity and lasting peace.
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 Nov. 30, 2025.
Read more
AFRICOM Commander makes high-level visits to East Africa
Gen. Dagvin Anderson, the Commander of U.S. Africa Command, began the first leg of a series of high-level visits to Africa this week, with stops in Ethiopia and in Somalia’s member states of Somaliland and Puntland.
Read more
More in Media Room
Gen. Dagvin Anderson Marks First Visit to Libya; Stresses Unity and Peace Among Leaders
In his first visit to Libya, Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, engaged with leaders from both the west and east during a two-day trip to Tripoli and Benghazi. This visit underscored the United States’ commitment to supporting ongoing Libyan efforts to overcome divisions and achieve national unity and lasting peace.
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 Nov. 30, 2025.
Read more
AFRICOM Commander makes high-level visits to East Africa
Gen. Dagvin Anderson, the Commander of U.S. Africa Command, began the first leg of a series of high-level visits to Africa this week, with stops in Ethiopia and in Somalia’s member states of Somaliland and Puntland.
Read more
More in Media Room
Gen. Dagvin Anderson Marks First Visit to Libya; Stresses Unity and Peace Among Leaders
In his first visit to Libya, Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, engaged with leaders from both the west and east during a two-day trip to Tripoli and Benghazi. This visit underscored the United States’ commitment to supporting ongoing Libyan efforts to overcome divisions and achieve national unity and lasting peace.
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 Nov. 30, 2025.
Read more
AFRICOM Commander makes high-level visits to East Africa
Gen. Dagvin Anderson, the Commander of U.S. Africa Command, began the first leg of a series of high-level visits to Africa this week, with stops in Ethiopia and in Somalia’s member states of Somaliland and Puntland.
Read more