Defcon Alerts Threat Monitor: Africa

U.S. Africa Command Strikes al-Shabaab Near Welmaro in Seventh July Operation

Defcon Level — Mon, 20 Jul 2026 13:04:07 GMT

SOMALIA — U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on July 15 in the vicinity of Welmaro, approximately 62 miles (100 km) north of Kismayo. The command released the statement on July 20.

More Africa Alerts

The July 15 strike was the seventh airstrike AFRICOM announced against al-Shabaab in Somalia between July 3 and July 15, all conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia.

The strikes concentrated in areas west and southwest of Mogadishu and north and northwest of Kismayo.

Approximate AFRICOM strike locations Between July 5-20. Map credits: Open Street Map, Modified Copernicus Sentinel data.

Refer a friend

AFRICOM public affairs statements released between July 5 and July 20 described each action in near-identical language and withheld unit, platform, and battle-damage details for operational security.

According to the command’s official 2026 strikes listing, the United States had conducted 76 strikes inside Somalia by the most recent update, with all seven July entries focused exclusively on al-Shabaab.

Earlier months in the year also included strikes against ISIS-Somalia elements in the Golis Mountains.

The AFRICOM strikes page states that the command conducts strikes in coordination with African partners and under the authorities of the President of the United States when necessary to degrade terrorists’ ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, U.S. forces, and U.S. citizens abroad.

The page further states that AFRICOM maintains a strike process that aims to mitigate risks and takes significant measures to comply with the principles of the Law of Armed Conflict.

July Strike Locations and Timing

U.S. Africa Command Conducts Airstrikes Targeting al-Shabaab in Somalia; Danab Special Forces Carry Out Ground Operation in Lower Juba

Defcon Level — Fri, 10 Jul 2026 23:27:30 GMT

SOMALIA — On July 10, a day after Danab special forces of the Somali National Army, working with Jubbaland Security Forces, overran al-Shabaab positions in the Baqdaad area near Badhaadhe in Lower Juba, U.S. Africa Command released a statement disclosing an airstrike it had carried out against the group on July 8. The command had conducted four such strikes between July 3 and July 8.

Map credits: Open Street Map, Modified Copernicus Sentinel data.

More Africa Alerts

U.S. Airstrike Operations

Somali Armed Forces Airstrikes Target Al-Shabaab in Middle Shabelle Region

Defcon Level — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 21:45:19 GMT

SOMALIA — The Somali Armed Forces, supported by international partners, carried out a series of airstrikes on June 24 and 25 targeting locations of Al-Shabaab (U.S.-designated terrorist group) in the areas of Gayfo, Ruun Idris, and Ali Gaduud.

Map credits: Open Street Map, Modified Copernicus Sentinel data.

More Africa Alerts

The operations focused on sites the Somali Defense Ministry described as mobilization centers, training facilities, and weapons storage locations used by the group.

The first airstrike on June 24 hit a mobilization center in Gayfo, hitting militants at the site and destroying stored weapons.

On June 25 three successive airstrikes targeted a training facility in Ruun Idris. Later the same day an additional airstrike hit Ali Gaduud, where armed militants were assembling in preparation for attacks.

Map credits: Open Street Map, Modified Copernicus Sentinel data.

Refer a friend

The Somali defense ministry reported that strikes resulted in the deaths of approximately 30 fighters from Al-Shabaab. Two vehicles, three motorcycles, weapons, ammunition, and other military supplies were also destroyed.

The ministry stated it would sustain operations against the group wherever it seeks refuge.

June 24, 25 Airstrikes

AFRICOM Conducts Airstrike Targeting al-Shabaab Near Afmadow, Somalia

Defcon Level — Thu, 25 Jun 2026 08:09:29 GMT

SOMALIA — U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on June 23 in the vicinity of Quumbi, approximately 14 miles (23 km) southeast of Afmadow, according to the June 24 release.

Map credits: Open Street Map, Modified Copernicus Sentinel data.

More Africa Alerts

The command stated that the action forms part of ongoing joint efforts with Somali forces to reduce the group’s ability to threaten U.S. personnel and citizens abroad.

Assessment: U.S. strikes have continued northwest of Kismayo. AFRICOM statements from June 19–21 report strikes on June 15–16 near Route 109, approximately 45 miles (73 km) northwest of Kismayo Airport; on June 18 in the Lower Juba region, about 47 miles (76 km) northwest of Kismayo; and on June 19 near Welmaro, roughly 64 miles (103 km) north of Kismayo.

These strike locations form a cluster along the corridor between Kismayo and Afmadow, separate from the June 23 strike near Quumbi and the June 14 strike 73 miles (117 km) southwest of Mogadishu.

Kismayo serves as the main port and population center of Jubaland, with its airport functioning as the primary airfield for southern Somalia, supporting air access and logistics.

The concentration of strikes along Route 109 and other routes northwest of the city and airfield reflects a focus on transit corridors linking coastal infrastructure with inland areas.

AFRICOM’s consistent use of the same operational security rationale in the June 15–19 releases suggests a deliberate approach to information management during this period.

No independent Somali government statements or battle-damage assessments have been identified to confirm specific outcomes in the northwest Kismayo sector.

Strike Location and Timing

U.S. Africa Command Conducts Airstrike Targeting al-Shabaab Near Welmaro, Somalia

Defcon Level — Mon, 22 Jun 2026 08:55:41 GMT

SOUTHERN SOMALIA — U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on June 19 in the vicinity of Welmaro, approximately 64 miles (103 km) north of Kismayo.

Approximate strike location via triangulated coordinates. Map credits: Open Street Map, Modified Copernicus Sentinel data.

More Africa Alerts

The strike was carried out in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, according to U.S. Africa Command.

AFRICOM Conducts Airstrikes Targeting al-Shabaab in Lower Juba Region of Somalia

Defcon Level — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 23:13:38 GMT

SOMALIA — U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab on June 18 in the lower Juba region, approximately 47 miles (76 kilometers) northwest of Kismayo, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia.

More Africa Alerts

The command described the action as part of continued efforts alongside Somali partners to reduce the group’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and citizens abroad.

AFRICOM Conducts Airstrike Targeting al-Shabaab Northwest of Kismayo Airport

Defcon Level — Sat, 20 Jun 2026 08:45:50 GMT

SOUTHERN SOMALIA — U.S. Africa Command, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on June 16, according to an AFRICOM statement on June 19.

Map credits: Open Street Map, Modified Copernicus Sentinel data.

More AFRICOM Alerts

The strike was carried out in the vicinity of Route 109, approximately 73 km northwest of Kismayo Airport.

Map credits: Open Street Map, Modified Copernicus Sentinel data.

Refer a friend

The release states that AFRICOM stated it “continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and our citizens abroad” and that “Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.”

Nigerien Security Forces Repel Attack on Diori Hamani International Airport

Defcon Level — Fri, 19 Jun 2026 12:15:31 GMT

NIGER — Nigerien security forces repelled an armed attack on Diori Hamani International Airport in Niamey on June 18.

More Africa Alerts

The al-Qaeda-affiliated group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) claimed responsibility for the attack via its Az-Zallaqa Foundation media arm, according to the group’s statement and Nigerien authorities.

The attack, which began around 6 a.m. local time, killed 11 security personnel and two civilians and continued for approximately two hours until forces contained it near 8 a.m.

Map credits: Open Street Map data

Refer a friend

Niger’s defense ministry said that forces killed 22 attackers and arrested about 20 suspects while seizing weapons including rocket-propelled grenade launchers, AK-47 rifles, explosives, grenades, communications equipment, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Four civilians were wounded in the attack. The Government of Niger announced later on June 18 that the incident had concluded and that the airport had returned to normal operations.

In a separate incident on January 29, fighters from the Islamic State Sahel Province attacked the same airport complex and adjacent airbase.

Nigerien authorities reported that the head of the military junta said that France, Benin, and Ivory Coast had sponsored the June 18 assault and thanked soldiers along with Russian partners for repelling it.

The U.S. Embassy in Niamey issued a statement on June 19 condemning the attack and commending Niger’s security and defense forces.

A U.S. Embassy security alert update reported on June 18 that the incident had concluded and that U.S. government personnel were again subject to routine travel restrictions under the Niger Travel Advisory.

Niger Government Response and Casualty Figures

Somali Forces Conduct Operations Against Al-Shabaab in Middle Shabelle, Bay, and Hiiraan Regions

Defcon Level — Sun, 24 May 2026 23:40:21 GMT

SOMALIA — Somali Armed Forces and National Intelligence and Security Agency units carried out continued operations against Al-Shabaab. The operations covered Middle Shabelle, Bay, and Hiiraan regions.

More Alerts On Africa

The most recent operations were carried out on May 24 in the Tardo area of Hiiraan region and a follow-up airstrike on May 23 in the Ugunji area of Lower Shabelle region, according to Ministry of Defense and NISA statements.

Earlier operations included a civilian rescue in Middle Shabelle and a response near Baidoa in Bay region, according to the Ministry of Defense statements.

Refer a friend

Operations in Hiiraan Region

U.S. Details Record DART Deployment, $382 Million in New Commitments, and Private-Sector Collaboration In Ongoing Ebola Outbreak Response

Defcon Level — Sun, 24 May 2026 01:38:51 GMT

CENTRAL AFRICA — On May 23 the Department of State issued a detailed update on its ongoing response to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, highlighting concrete financial commitments, operational deployments, and new private,sector partnerships not previously quantified in public releases.

Refer a friend

The announcement confirms that a Disaster Assistance Response Team reached the ground within four days of the first case notification, described as the fastest ever DART deployment for a U.S. Ebola response.

The update also specifies $32 million in bilateral assistance already provided to seven named implementing partners and the expedited obligation of $300 million from a prior $1.8 billion commitment to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, per the May 23 Department of State media note.

Current Outbreak Statistics and Geographic Spread

Somali Military Airstrike Kills Six Al-Shabaab Militants in Lower Shabelle

Defcon Level — Fri, 22 May 2026 20:38:37 GMT

EAST AFRICA — The Somali military carried out an airstrike in the Ugunji area of Lower Shabelle on May 22 targeting Al-Shabaab militants who had regrouped within the location.

More Africa Alerts

The statement reported that the strike killed six militants and destroyed weapons and equipment, noting that the operation was carried out in coordination with international partners.

While the United States was not explicitly mentioned and U.S. Africa Command has not yet issued a statement, the U.S. has been conducting continued supportive airstrikes within in the country against ISIS fighters and Al-Shabaab.

Airstrike Against Regrouping Al-Shabaab Militants

U.S.-Nigeria Carry Out Additional Coordinated Strikes Against ISIS in Northeastern Nigeria

Defcon Level — Tue, 19 May 2026 18:43:36 GMT

NORTHEASTERN NIGERIA — U.S. Africa Command, in coordination with the Government of Nigeria, conducted additional strikes against ISIS militants on May 18. U.S. Intelligence confirmed the targets were ISIS militants at a fighter camp.

More Africa Alerts

Complete assessments remain ongoing. No U.S. or Nigerian forces were harmed during the strikes, according to the command.

Nigerian authorities confirmed the strikes followed observed convergence and migration of terrorist elements in the general area of Metele, resulting in more than 20 ISIS and ISWAP fighters being killed.

Joint operations have eliminated 175 ISIS terrorists as of May 19, destroying checkpoints, weapons caches, logistical hubs, military equipment, and financial networks.

Strike Execution and Operations

Nigeria Reports More Than 20 ISIS Fighters Killed in Second Metele Strike

Defcon Level — Mon, 18 May 2026 18:09:29 GMT

AFRICA — U.S. and Nigerian forces widened a coordinated air campaign against the Islamic State in northern Borno State on May 17, hitting ISIS and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters near Metele the day after the operation that killed the group’s most senior Lake Chad Basin commander.

More Africa Alerts

U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters both announced the May 17 strikes. Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters put the toll at more than 20 ISIS and ISWAP fighters.

Refer a friend

AFRICOM said in a statement, “intelligence confirmed the targets were ISIS militants” and that “complete assessments are ongoing,” and gave no casualty figure. No U.S. or Nigerian forces were harmed, according to both commands.

The strikes on May 17 followed the May 16 U.S.-Nigeria air-land operation at Metele that killed Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, named in U.S. and Nigerian releases as the most senior ISWAP commander in the Lake Chad Basin and Sahel.

Nigeria’s Defense Headquarters said the new strikes “follow the neutralisation of ISIS commander Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.”

May 17 Strikes Near Metele

Counter-terrorism Decapitation Strike: Joint US-Nigerian Operation Eliminates ISIS Global Deputy Abu-Bilal al-Minuki

Defcon Level — Sat, 16 May 2026 10:25:47 GMT

WEST AFRICA — Nigerian Armed Forces, in close coordination with United States forces, conducted a joint counter-terrorism operation overnight that targeted and eliminated a senior Islamic State (ISIS) leader identified as Abu-Bilal al-Minuki, also known as Abu-Mainok or Abu-Bilal al-Minuki.

More Africa Alerts

Early assessments from both governments confirm the strike occurred on the target’s compound in the Lake Chad Basin and resulted in the deaths of al-Minuki along with several of his lieutenants.

The joint operation provided an example of bilateral collaboration against ISIS networks operating in the Sahel and Lake Chad region, where the group maintains active affiliates including the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

Operation Details and Execution

Somalia: NISA Conducts Targeted Operations Against al-Shabaab Leadership in Hiran Region

Defcon Level — Fri, 15 May 2026 20:29:59 GMT

SOMALIA — On May 15 the Somalian National Intelligence and Security Agency (NISA) carried out planned operations in the Buq-aqable area of Hiran region against al-Shabaab.

More Africa Alerts

NISA forces monitoring movements of senior al-Shabaab leaders who had reached the area launched a heavy attack on a location where they were organizing militias.

The operations seriously wounded three named senior leaders and included successive strikes on training sites burning five vehicles including three BG vehicles one equipped with a 39 (thirty-nine) anti-aircraft gun.

The actions form part of NISA’s ongoing efforts in collaboration with international partners, such as the United States, to weaken al-Shabaab operational capacity and disrupt threats to the country’s national security and stability.

NISA Operations Targeting al-Shabaab Command and Training Networks in Buq-aqable, Hiran Region

U.S. Africa Command Conducts Airstrike Targeting ISIS-Somalia in the Golis Mountains

Defcon Level — Thu, 07 May 2026 18:19:57 GMT

SOMALIA — U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on May 6, in the Golis Mountains, about 75 km (47 miles) southeast of Bossaso, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces.

More Africa Alerts

The strike followed an identical operation on May 4, 2026, in the identical Golis Mountains location southeast of Bossaso, the same location as reported in the most recent strike.

US Strikes ISIS in Somalia, Search Continues for Two Missing Service Members During African Lion Exercise in Morocco

Defcon Level — Tue, 05 May 2026 18:18:14 GMT

AFRICA — U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on May 4 in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces. The strike occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, about 47 miles (75 kilometers) southeast of Bossaso.

More Africa Alerts

According to AFRICOM, “The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, about 75km southeast of Bossaso. AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia’s ability to threaten the U.S. Homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad.”

Refer a friend

Specific details about units and assets involved were not released to ensure continued operational security.

U.S. Service Members Still Missing, Incident Under Investigation

Sudanese Armed Forces Accuse United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia of Drone Strikes on Khartoum International Airport

Defcon Level — Tue, 05 May 2026 07:11:37 GMT

SUDAN — Sudanese authorities reported drone strikes on May 4 targeting Khartoum International Airport and additional sites in the capital, part of a barrage that followed the Sudanese Armed Forces recapture of Khartoum in March of last year, and the airport’s first international flight in three years the previous week.

More Alerts On Sudan

Brigadier General Asim Awad Abdelwahab, Sudanese Armed Forces spokesman, stated at a May 5 press conference alongside Foreign Minister Mohieddin Salem that the government possessed “conclusive evidence” linking the strikes to drones launched from Ethiopia’s Bahir Dar Airport with Emirati support.

The spokesman referenced flight data, wreckage from an Akinci-type unmanned combat aerial vehicle, and intelligence from a drone downed near El-Obeid in March that Sudanese forces linked to the same launch site and to the United Arab Emirates. Independent open-source verification of the wreckage type and launch origin has not been published.

The Sudanese government attributed the strikes to foreign actors. While some reports attributed the May 4 strikes to Rapid Support Forces drone capabilities, no independent forensic verification of drone origin has been published.

The U.S. Embassy in Khartoum, which suspended operations in April of 2023 due to the armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, issued its alert on May 4 that said, “The Department of State has been alerted to multiple explosions at the international airport in Khartoum Monday, May 4, 2026. Other locations may have been impacted as well.”

The embassy reiterated that the U.S. government cannot provide routine or emergency consular services to U.S. citizens in Sudan. Recommended actions include seeking secure shelter, monitoring local media, notifying friends and family of safety, and making contingency plans to leave.

Contact points listed are the U.S. Embassy in Cairo at +20-2-2797-3300 and the U.S. Department of State at +1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada or +1-202-501-4444 from elsewhere in the world.

Sudan: Drone Struck Inside Khartoum International Airport

US Conducts Airstrike, Somalian Military Kills 81 Al-Shabaab Militants in Jubbaland Offensive

Defcon Level — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:21:47 GMT

EAST 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

More Africa Alerts

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.

U.S. AFRICOM Announces Airstrikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia, Somali Armed Forces Report Strike on Al-Shabaab in Mudug Region

Defcon Level — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 20:04:13 GMT

SOMALIA — 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.

More Africa Alerts

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