The United States military conducted an air strike in southern Somalia on December 31, targeting the Al-Qaeda-linked Al-Shabaab jihadist group. According to the United States Africa Command (US AFRICOM), the operation was carried out in Beer Xaani, located about 35 kilometers (21 miles) from the port city of Kismayo, at the request of the Somali government.
In an official statement released Tuesday, AFRICOM confirmed the air strike resulted in the deaths of 10 Al-Shabaab militants, with no civilian casualties reported. The initial post-strike assessment indicated a successful operation aimed at supporting Somalia’s federal government in its fight against the insurgent group.
Al-Shabaab has been waging a brutal insurgency against Somalia’s fragile government for over 17 years, carrying out numerous attacks across the country, including in the capital, Mogadishu. These attacks have prompted a sustained military offensive by Somali forces, supported by international partners like the United States.
This latest strike follows a recent attack by the Islamic State group in northern Somalia, which was repelled by government forces. The US has invested heavily over the years to combat the insurgency and bolster Somali security.
The air strike comes amid ongoing efforts by Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s administration to eradicate Al-Shabaab and restore stability to the war-torn nation. Somalia has been grappling with decades of civil conflict, frequent climate disasters, and widespread poverty, all exacerbated by jihadist violence.
US involvement in Somalia has fluctuated under different administrations. Former President Donald Trump withdrew US troops from the country during his first term, a decision reversed by President Joe Biden, who redeployed forces to support counter-terrorism efforts.
AFRICOM stated that it would continue to assess the results of this operation and provide additional updates as necessary. The United States remains a key partner in Somalia’s fight against terrorism, contributing to regional stability through targeted operations against extremist groups.
