In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against al Shabaab on June 16, 2025.The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Bullo Xajji, Somalia.AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al Shabaab’s ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad.Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

The United States military has confirmed conducting an airstrike against Al-Shabaab militants near Bullo Xajji, a strategic village located approximately 80 kilometers west of Kismayo, southern Somalia, on June 16, 2025. In a statement released Tuesday, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) acknowledged the operation but withheld casualty figures, citing the sensitivity of “ongoing security operations.” Local sources indicated that Somali authorities are still working to identify the targets affected in the strike. Bullo Xajji holds historical importance in the region. In 2010, it was the site of a now-defunct agreement between Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab and the former Islamist group Hizbul Islam.

Somali National Army (SNA) forces, in collaboration with Jubbaland regional forces and supported by international partners, conducted airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab positions in the Maqooqaha area, approximately 10 kilometers from Buulo-Xaaji military base. Maqooqaha is located about 90 kilometers northwest of Kismayo, the capital of the Jubbaland State. According to military officials, the strikes were aimed at “Al-Shabaab hideouts and operational bases following credible intelligence” indicating that the militant group was planning coordinated ambush attacks on the Jubbaland forces’ base in Buulo-Haaji. Military sources confirmed that the airstrikes killed 25 Al-Shabaab fighters, including five senior commanders. The information was released through the Somali National Army’s official media outlets. Security operations continue in the region as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle Al-Shabaab’s operational networks and restore stability in southern Somalia. Mustaqbal