Latest US, Somalian Airstrikes and Counter-Terrorism Operations Against Al-Shabaab, ISIS-Somalia
AFRICOM’s latest updates on April 22, 2025, confirmed airstrikes on April 16 in Aadan Yabaal and Somali territorial waters, targeting operatives and advanced weapons, reporting no civilian casualties.
SOMALIA — U.S. Africa Command has reported new information on recent airstrikes in coordination with the government of Somalia on April 16, 2025. In April 2025, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in coordination with the Somali National Army (SNA) and the Federal Government of Somalia, intensified counter-terrorism operations against Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-affiliated Sunni Islamic terrorist group.
AFRICOM’s latest updates on April 22, 2025, confirmed airstrikes on April 16 in Aadan Yabaal and Somali territorial waters, targeting operatives and advanced weapons, with no civilian casualties reported. These efforts, supported by regional partners, aimed to degrade Al-Shabaab’s operational capacity and secure regions under militant influence.
Key Developments
The following operations, organized chronologically, detail the military actions taken in April 2025:
April 16, 2025: Operation in Buulo Daneer and Bulu Doon, Middle Shabelle and Lower Shabelle Regions: The SNA’s elite Danab and Alta-Ayr Commandos, supported by local residents, executed operations in Buulo Daneer, Middle Shabelle, and Bulu Doon, Lower Shabelle. At 2:32 AM UTC, the Somali Ministry of Defense confirmed the elimination of 47 Al-Qaeda-linked militants and the seizure of AK-47 rifles, disrupting militant armament capabilities. Local residents expressed support for the troops, urging further efforts to secure the regions. This operation significantly weakened Al-Shabaab’s presence in these areas.
April 16, 2025: Joint SNA-AFRICOM Airstrike in Aadan Yabaal, Middle Shabelle: The SNA and AFRICOM conducted a precision airstrike in Aadan Yabaal, Middle Shabelle, on April 16, 2025. AFRICOM reported on April 21 and 22, 2025, that the strike targeted Al-Shabaab operatives in the vicinity of Aadan Yabaal, with an initial assessment confirming no civilian casualties. The Somali Ministry of Information stated that 12 operatives, including senior leaders, were neutralized, a figure corroborated by the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu. This operation disrupted Al-Shabaab’s leadership structure.
April 16, 2025: Maritime Strike on Weapon-Carrying Vessels: In Somali territorial waters, the SNA and AFRICOM executed airstrikes against a flagless vessel and a smaller supporting craft carrying advanced conventional weapons destined for Al-Shabaab. AFRICOM confirmed on April 18 and 22, 2025, that the weapons posed an imminent threat to U.S. and partner forces in Somalia, with an initial assessment indicating no civilian casualties. The Somali Ministry of Information noted that all individuals aboard were neutralized. This strike disrupted a critical supply line, preventing Al-Shabaab from acquiring sophisticated weaponry.
April 20, 2025: Operation in Bay Region near Baidoa: The SNA, alongside South West Darwish Forces, conducted an operation in Baay Burjeed, approximately 9 miles (15 km) from Baidoa in the Bay Region. The Somali Ministry of Information confirmed the deaths of over 35 Al-Shabaab members, including a foreign commander, with 18 bodies recovered and over 60 others injured. South West President Abdias Hassan Mohamed (Lafataree) commended the forces for thwarting a planned attack. Local residents celebrated in Baidoa, reflecting strong community support for the operation.