<![CDATA[Defcon Alerts Threat Monitor: Africa]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/s/africahttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!0cet!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fb46ea7f8-d128-4157-808c-3336340f44ed_250x250.pngDefcon Alerts Threat Monitor: Africahttps://www.defconalerts.com/s/africaSubstackSat, 02 May 2026 09:58:16 GMT<![CDATA[US Conducts Airstrike, Somalian Military Kills 81 Al-Shabaab Militants in Jubbaland Offensive]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-conducts-airstrike-somalian-militaryhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-conducts-airstrike-somalian-militaryWed, 15 Apr 2026 22:21:47 GMTEAST AFRICA: The Somali National Armed Forces and Jubbaland Security Forces killed 81 al-Shabaab militants across multiple southern regions over April 14 to 15, Somalia’s Ministry of Defense (MoD) stated in two press releases. “International partner” airstrikes supported the ground operations

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U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) separately said it conducted a strike targeting al-Shabaab on April 9 “in the vicinity of Qalay, approximately 131 km northwest of Kismayo.”

The MoD said on April 14 that Somali and Jubbaland forces “are conducting a large-scale operation in areas of Lower Jubba and Middle Jubba regions.”

The operations targeted areas under Jilib, Xagar, and Afmadow districts, where “the forces have advanced on the ground.”

A follow-up MoD press release on April 15 said that the operation had expanded to Tardho, Hiiraan, Ugunji, Shabeellaha Hoose, Daynuunay, Baay, Qumbi, and Jubbada Hoose.

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. AFRICOM Announces Airstrikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia, Somali Armed Forces Report Strike on Al-Shabaab in Mudug Region]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-africom-announces-airstrikes-targetinghttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-africom-announces-airstrikes-targetingFri, 10 Apr 2026 20:04:13 GMTSOMALIA — U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced on April 10 that it conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia on April 6-7 in the Golis Mountains, 55-75 km southeast of Bossaso in Puntland.

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The operation occurred in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces.

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]]><![CDATA[Somali Offensive Secures Key Areas as U.S. Strikes Target ISIS; Somalia Condemns Iran For Attacks On Arab Countries]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/somali-offensive-secures-key-areashttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/somali-offensive-secures-key-areasTue, 03 Mar 2026 13:19:09 GMTEAST AFRICA — According to the Somali Ministry of Defense, Somali National Army forces secured Darasalaam and Mubaarak in Lower Shabelle on March 2.

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The ministry reported destruction of several Al-Shabaab command positions, weapons depots, and military equipment caches during the operation. Clearance and verification efforts continue to pursue remaining elements.

The Somali Ministry of Defense launched Operation Rolling Thunder on March 1 in Lower Shabelle to target Al-Shabaab strongholds and cut terrorist routes.

Supported by Ugandan African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) troops and international partners, the operation aims to weaken Al-Shabaab’s capacity and secure civilian and agricultural zones.

U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia from February 22 to 26 and on February 28 in the Golis Mountains, approximately 70 kilometers southeast of Bossaso. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated the initial assessment for February 1 strikes indicated multiple operatives killed with no civilian harm.

The Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Ethiopia’s memorandum with Somaliland on March 1 as a violation of sovereignty.

Separately, the ministry condemned Iranian attacks on Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, Bahrain, and Oman, expressing solidarity and supporting their self-defense rights.

East Africa counter-terrorism operations remain at routine tempo with no indicators of elevated threat to U.S. personnel. Partner-led gains could limit terrorist external plotting, but regional diplomatic frictions add monitoring value.

Somali Forces Advance in Lower Shabelle Offensive Against Al-Shabaab, US Airstrikes Target Golis Mountains:

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]]><![CDATA[Somali National Intelligence Agency Reports Elimination of Over 23 Al-Shabaab Militants in Preemptive Operations in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/somali-national-intelligence-agencyhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/somali-national-intelligence-agencyWed, 25 Feb 2026 05:18:22 GMTSOMALIA — Somalia’s National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) announced February 24 that it conducted four planned operations during the week in districts of Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle regions, resulting in the deaths of more than 23 Al-Shabaab militants the agency stated were preparing attacks in Hirshabelle state areas.

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The agency stated the operations were carried out with the help of international partners, and followed intelligence on militant mobilization in multiple locations across Maxaas and Moqokori districts, with Commander Mustaf Caato identified.

Although U.S. forces and the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) continue to operate alongside Somali units in Hiiraan and Middle Shabelle, no partner has been specifically identified in connection with these strikes.

U.S. Africa Command has not issued a public release on the operations, with its most recent statements dated February 18 and covering airstrikes conducted on February 16 and 17 in Harbole and the Golis Mountains.

Key Developments

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Continues Sustained Airstrike Campaign Against ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabaab in Somalia]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-continues-sustained-airstrikehttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-continues-sustained-airstrikeThu, 19 Feb 2026 18:38:42 GMTSOMALIA — U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) carried out multiple airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabaab militants in Somalia during the first 17 days of February, with the latest strike reported by U.S. Africa Command on February 18.

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The operations took place in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces. Strikes hit positions in the northeast Puntland region and in southern and central areas, continuing AFRICOM’s support for Somali counter-terrorism efforts against both groups.

The strikes reflect a high operational tempo, with activity reported on at least nine dates. AFRICOM has stated that the actions aim to degrade the militants’ ability to threaten U.S. forces, Somali security personnel, and civilians.

No specific details on munitions, aircraft, or battle damage assessments were released, consistent with operational security protocols.

Timeline of Confirmed Airstrikes

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Forces Execute Airstrike Against ISIS-Somalia in Gollis Mountains as Somali Operation Hidden Sword Secures Advances in Lower Shabelle]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-forces-execute-airstrike-againsthttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-forces-execute-airstrike-againstSat, 14 Feb 2026 18:49:52 GMTSOMALIA — On February 13, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia militants in the Gollis Mountains, roughly 31 miles (50 kilometers) southeast of Bossaso, in partnership with Somalia’s federal government.

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This operation supports Somali-led efforts to counter terrorist threats in the region. At the same time, Somali National Army forces, aided by African Union troops, continued progress under Operation Hidden Sword in Lower Shabelle, including a joint raid on January 15, in Bulunagaad that neutralized over 30 Al-Shabaab militants and captured weapons stockpiles.

The U.S. airstrike aimed at degrading ISIS-Somalia’s operational strength, with no reported civilian casualties according to official assessments.

Details on participating units remain classified for security purposes. Somali advances in Lower Shabelle involved coordinated maneuvers that disrupted Al-Shabaab logistics and secured key coastal positions.

Developments

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Forces Conduct Airstrike Targeting al-Shabaab in Southern Somalia]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-forces-conduct-airstrike-targeting-0c9https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-forces-conduct-airstrike-targeting-0c9Tue, 10 Feb 2026 19:29:06 GMTSOMALIA — In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on February 9, in the vicinity of southern Somalia, approximately 32 miles (51 kilometers) northeast of Kismayo.

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This operation continues efforts to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and citizens abroad. The initial assessment indicates no civilian casualties.

Key Developments, Analysis:

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]]><![CDATA[Somali Forces Eliminate 14 Al-Shabaab Militants in Lower Juba Amid US Airstrikes Against ISIS and Al-Shabaab]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/somali-forces-eliminate-14-al-shabaabhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/somali-forces-eliminate-14-al-shabaabTue, 10 Feb 2026 14:37:28 GMTSOMALIA — On February 10, Somali Danab Special Forces, in coordination with Jubaland State security forces, conducted a targeted operation against Al-Shabaab militants in areas around Jamaame in Lower Juba region.

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This military action resulted in 14 militants killed, one injured, and the rest fleeing, according to the Somalian Ministry of Defense, as part of broader efforts to dismantle terrorist networks in southern Somalia.

US Africa Command supported Somali partners with airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia early in February, including operations on February 3 and February 1 in the Golis Mountains near Bossaso, aimed at degrading militant capabilities threatening regional and international security.

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Al-Shabaab Controls Rural South, ISIS-Somalia Operates In The Northeast:

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Conducts Airstrike Against ISIS-Somalia in Golis Mountains and Delivers Military Equipment to Somali National Army in Middle Shabelle]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-conducts-airstrike-against-isishttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-conducts-airstrike-against-isisWed, 04 Feb 2026 00:42:44 GMTSOMALIA — In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia operatives in the Golis Mountains on February 1.

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The strike, authorized by Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, resulted in the deaths of multiple operatives with no civilian casualties reported.

This operation continues efforts to degrade ISIS-Somalia’s capabilities amid ongoing threats in the region.

Separately, United States forces delivered military equipment, including heavy weaponry, to the Somali National Army in the Middle Shabelle region to bolster counter-terrorism operations.

Middle Shabelle region. TUBS, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia

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Airstrike Operation

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]]><![CDATA[Drone Attack Targets Bangoka International Airport in Northeastern DRC, Authorities Attribute Incident to M23 Armed Group]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/drone-attack-targets-bangoka-internationalhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/drone-attack-targets-bangoka-internationalTue, 03 Feb 2026 07:26:09 GMTNORTHEASTERN DRC — Provincial authorities in Tshopo reported that eight drones equipped with explosives targeted Bangoka International Airport near Kisangani on January 31.

Bangoka International Airport. Credit: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia

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Authorities attributed the incident to the M23 armed group and Rwanda. All drones were intercepted and neutralized prior to reaching the target, resulting in no reported casualties or structural damage.

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This incident represents an extension of M23 activities westward, beyond their established areas of operation in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.

The drones were described by provincial officials as one-way attack types carrying unconventional munitions, with interceptions occurring between early Saturday and Sunday.

No entity has publicly claimed responsibility for the action, within the context of ongoing armed conflicts involving multiple groups in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Key Developments, Analysis:

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Forces Conduct Airstrike Targeting al-Shabaab Militants Southwest of Mogadishu Amid Sustained Campaign]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-forces-conduct-airstrike-targetinghttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-forces-conduct-airstrike-targetingFri, 30 Jan 2026 20:13:25 GMTSOMALIA — In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, United States Africa Command executed an airstrike against al-Shabaab militants on January 29, approximately 56 kilometers southwest of Mogadishu.

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The operation formed part of a series that included 23 U.S. airstrikes in Somalia during January, aimed at degrading the group’s capabilities. No details on militant casualties appeared in official assessments.

Operational Details

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]]><![CDATA[ISWAP Suicide Attack on Nigerian Army Position in Borno State's Timbuktu Triangle]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/iswap-suicide-attack-on-nigerianhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/iswap-suicide-attack-on-nigerianSat, 24 Jan 2026 17:12:32 GMTNIGERIA — Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) conducted a suicide attack on a Nigerian Army position in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State on January 22.

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The group claimed responsibility through propaganda channels, reporting 20 soldiers killed or wounded. Nigerian military sources confirmed heavy fighting but did not specify casualties.

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]]><![CDATA[US Carries Out Airstrike In Somalia Against ISIS, Terrorist Attack In Nigeria Results In Dozens Of Casualties]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-carries-out-airstrike-in-somalia-2bfhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-carries-out-airstrike-in-somalia-2bfFri, 23 Jan 2026 23:45:20 GMTSOMALIA AND NIGERIA — Somali security forces captured five militants in a targeted operation in Muqdisho on January 23 seizing explosives, weapons, and vehicles linked to Al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia, while a U.S. airstrike two days earlier in the Golis Mountains eliminated multiple ISIS operatives.

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In northeastern Nigeria’s Borno State, a terrorist attack on a military center resulted in dozens of armed forces casualties, prompting airstrikes that killed over 40 militants and disrupted further assaults.

Somalia Security Operations Against Militants

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. and Somali Forces Continue Airstrikes and Ground Operations Against Al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-and-somali-forces-continue-airstrikeshttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-and-somali-forces-continue-airstrikesTue, 13 Jan 2026 13:46:35 GMTEAST AFRICA — U.S. Africa Command, in partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia, has continued operations against al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia elements with a series of coordinated airstrikes and ground operations across Somalia.

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The latest actions include U.S. strikes in the Golis Mountains, eliminated militants and disrupting militant infrastructure.

Militants often take refuge within caves in the Golis mountains

The renewed engagements build on strikes earlier in the month, where Somali and U.S. forces targeted explosive factories, militant centers, and logistical hubs across multiple regions.

Recent Strikes And Operations

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Africa Command and Somali Forces Launch Airstrikes Eliminating Dozens of al-Shabaab Militants in Jilib]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-africa-command-and-somali-forceshttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-africa-command-and-somali-forcesWed, 07 Jan 2026 14:26:33 GMTHORN OF AFRICA — U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab near Jilib between January 3 and 4. The operations occurred in the vicinity of Jilib, approximately 62 miles (100 kilometers) north of Kismayo. No civilian casualties were reported.

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This action aimed to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten the U.S. Homeland, U.S. forces, and American citizens abroad, according to U.S. Africa Command.

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]]><![CDATA[Joint U.S.-Somali Counter-terrorism Operations Against al-Shabaab in Somalia's Middle Shabelle Region]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/joint-us-somali-counter-terrorismhttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/joint-us-somali-counter-terrorismFri, 02 Jan 2026 18:09:14 GMTHORN OF AFRICA — On December 29, U.S. Africa Command executed airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab positions in Shabeellaha Dhexe, approximately 64 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia.

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Somali National Armed Forces also repelled a militant ambush in Wargaadhi district within the same region, resulting in insurgent casualties including a local leader.

Initial evaluations indicate no civilian harm from these engagements. These actions contribute to ongoing efforts to curtail al-Shabaab’s operational capacity amid persistent insurgent threats in central Somalia.

Operational Details

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]]><![CDATA[Airstrike Against ISIS in Sokoto State, Nigeria Amid Documented Violence Targeting Christians]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/airstrike-against-isis-in-sokotohttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/airstrike-against-isis-in-sokotoFri, 26 Dec 2025 00:47:34 GMTWEST AFRICA — U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike in Sokoto State, Nigeria, today, targeting ISIS terrorists and resulting in multiple deaths, in coordination with Nigerian authorities and at the direction of the President and Secretary of War.

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President Donald J. Trump issued a statement today announcing the operation against ISIS elements accused of attacks on Christians.

Throughout 2025, Nigeria experienced multiple incidents of violence targeting Christian communities, with thousands reported killed in various attacks across regions like Benue State and the northwest.

Map of Nigeria

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Government sources acknowledge ongoing threats from groups such as ISIS-West Africa and Boko Haram, affecting civilians of all faiths but with documented impacts on Christians.

NGO assessments highlight abductions from Catholic schools and massacres in villages, attributing them to Islamist militants and bandit groups.

International organizations document persistent violence in Nigeria’s northwest, attributed to multiple actors including bandit groups and Islamist militants, estimating over 7,000 Christians massacred in the first 220 days alone. The strike aligns with U.S. counter-terrorism priorities in Africa.

The operation follows presidential warnings regarding religious persecution in Nigeria. Nigerian government communications emphasize domestic efforts against insurgents, now including U.S. coordination.

Projections based on U.S. Africa Command postures indicate potential for continued actions if threats persist. Academic and NGO reports provide context on the violence, noting economic drivers and resource competition exacerbating insurgencies.

This event represents a direct response to ongoing security challenges in the region.

Details of the Confirmed U.S. Strike:

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Maritime Advisory 2025-015: Persistent Piracy and Kidnapping Threats in the Gulf of Guinea]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-maritime-advisory-2025-015-persistenthttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-maritime-advisory-2025-015-persistentTue, 16 Dec 2025 22:38:53 GMTGULF OF GUINEA — The United States Maritime Administration issued Advisory 2025-015 on December 15. This advisory revises and supersedes prior guidance. It addresses ongoing risks of piracy, armed robbery, and kidnapping for ransom in the region.

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The advisory highlights continued threats to vessels and crews. These threats come from groups operating offshore in waters adjacent to multiple West African states.

Criminal elements maintain the capability to target senior crew members. Examples include masters and chief engineers. It also targets Western or foreign nationals in the Niger Delta region. These groups demand ransom payments for their release.

Details of worldwide threats to shipping are available through the Office of Naval Intelligence Worldwide Threat to Shipping Reports. This is hosted on the U.S. National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency website.

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Reported kidnappings in 2025 include:

  • Nine crew members abducted from a Portuguese-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carrier on December 3.

  • The second engineer abducted from a Curacao-flagged vessel on May 30.

  • Twelve crew abducted from two possible Nigerian-flagged passenger vessels on May 6.

  • Three crew abducted from Ghana-flagged fishing vessels on April 27.

  • Seven crew abducted from three possible Nigerian-flagged passenger vessels on March 26.

  • Ten crew abducted from a Panama-flagged tanker on March 17.

These incidents underscore the persistent operational reach of threat actors.

Operational Guidance, Analysis and Recommended Resources

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]]><![CDATA[U.S. Africa Command Airstrikes Against al-Shabaab and Islamic State-Somalia Elements in Somalia]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-africa-command-airstrikes-againsthttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/us-africa-command-airstrikes-againstTue, 18 Nov 2025 02:51:15 GMTSOMALIA — In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, United States Africa Command conducted multiple airstrikes against al-Shabaab positions in Lower Jubba region between November 11 and November 15, with the most recent occurring on November 14–15 approximately 34 miles (55 km) northeast of Kismayo.

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Separate airstrikes targeted Islamic State-Somalia positions in Bari region, Puntland, on November 8 and November 10. No additional U.S. airstrikes in Somalia have been publicly reported by United States Africa Command as of November 18.

These operations form part of a broader U.S.-supported campaign that has included 220 airstrikes since February, according to Somali Defense Minister H.E. Ahmed Moallim Fiqi.

The Defense Minister said of the strikes, “220 airstrikes have been carried out across areas stretching from Lower Juba and eastern Mudug to the mountains of Sanaag and Bari region. Around 868 terrorists have been killed, including 52 commanders from both Daesh and Al-Shabaab.”

Timeline of Reported Operations

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]]><![CDATA[Somali National Armed Forces Operations Against Al-Shabaab in Bakool and Bay Regions]]>https://www.defconalerts.com/p/somali-national-armed-forces-operationshttps://www.defconalerts.com/p/somali-national-armed-forces-operationsSun, 09 Nov 2025 15:34:59 GMTSOMALIA — The Somali National Armed Forces conducted targeted operations in the Bakool and Bay regions, resulting in the neutralization of several Al-Shabaab commanders and militants.

Somali National Armed Forces

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These efforts aimed to disrupt terrorist operations and enhance security for civilian populations. In an engagement near Xudur, forces eliminated a senior commander involved in regional attacks.

Another operation southeast of Burjeet led to the deaths of two prominent operatives. The Ministry of Defense emphasized the commitment of national forces to upholding stability.

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