The United States has conducted nearly 50 airstrikes against Al-Shabaab fighters during the first three months of 2026, the US military’s Africa Command announced on Saturday.
In a statement, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said its latest strike targeted Al-Shabaab militants about 80 miles northwest of Kismayo, raising the total number of airstrikes against the militant groups to 49 this year.
The US has long been involved in the Horn of Africa country and has been targeting Al-Shabab and Daesh militants since the mid-2000s after the former first emerged.
The command said the strikes were conducted in close coordination with the Somali federal government and local security forces, aiming to weaken Al-Shabaab’s capabilities.
However, AFRICOM did not provide further details on the aircraft, units, or weapons used, citing operational security.
The strikes have seen an increase compared to some period in 2025, when AFRICOM carried out about 125 strikes, surpassing the previous high of 63 recorded in 2019.
Current figures suggest that 2026 could exceed those totals if the pace continues.
The US air operations are not limited to one region. In northeastern Somalia, particularly the Al-Miskaad Mountains under the Puntland state, fighters linked to the Islamic State are regularly targeted.
At the same time, Al-Shabaab remains active across large parts of southern and central Somalia.
US forces have long maintained a presence in Somalia, providing training, advice, and intelligence support to local forces battling extremist groups.
MG/jn/APA