Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. airstrikes continue to target al-Shabaab, ISIS-Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants in the Golis Mountains, Somalia, on May 26, 2019.

This is the sixth airstrike in the last month against ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabaab in the Golis Mountains.

“Airstrikes create additional time and space for continued incremental progress in Somalia,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert Huston, deputy director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. “The last few days presented opportunities to successfully reduce terrorist influence and activity.”

Precision airstrikes such as these support Somali security forces efforts to protect the Somali people from terrorism while creating opportunities for increased governance to take hold. The Golis Mountains are a known area for terrorist camps and ongoing fighting between the two terrorist groups.

At this time, it is assessed the airstrike killed three (3) militants.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.  Our process and procedures allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.  In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.

Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. target al-Shabaab network

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants in the Golis Mountains, Somalia, on May 24, 2019.

“Persistent pressure on the network ensures the threat is contained while degrading Al Shabaab capabilities,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. Robert Huston, deputy director of operations, U.S. Africa Command. “We will continue to provide assistance to the Federal Government of Somalia.”

Precision airstrikes such as these support Somali security forces efforts to protect the Somali people from terrorism while creating opportunities for increased governance to take hold. The Golis Mountains are a known area for al-Shabaab camps and ongoing fighting between al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia.

At this time, it is assessed the airstrike killed three (3) militants.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.  Our process and procedures allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.  In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.

Airstrike Degrades al-Shabaab network

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted one airstrike near Baled Amin, in the Lower Shabelle region, Somalia, against al-Shabaab militants on May 22, 2019.

“We continue to work closely with the Somali government and security forces to target terrorists whose tactics place innocent people at risk,” said RDML Heidi K. Berg, director of intelligence, U.S. Africa Command.

Precision airstrikes such as these support Somali security forces efforts to protect the Somali people from terrorism while creating opportunities for increased governance to take hold. Al-Shabaab has previously used the rural areas surrounding Baled Amin as a staging area for attacks against Somali security forces and innocent Somali civilians.

At this time, it is assessed the airstrike killed two (2) terrorists. A detailed post-strike analysis continues and more details may be released as appropriate.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.  Our process and procedures allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.  In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.

ISIS-Somalia Degraded by Precision Airstrike

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia terrorists in the Golis Mountains, Somalia, on May 22, 2019.

This is the fifth precision airstrike against ISIS-Somalia since April 14 in a deliberate campaign to limit and disrupt freedom of movement in the area and to eliminate leaders of the organization.

“Our efforts to locate and eradicate ISIS leaders who control a range of activities – from operations to financing and communications – is hitting at the heart of the organization and disrupting their ability to continue their terrorist activities,” said RDML Heidi K. Berg, director of intelligence, U.S. Africa Command.

The Federal Government of Somalia and partner forces continue to make inroads into territory where ISIS operates. U.S. Africa Command works by, with and through AMISOM and our Somali partners to reduce the threats they face to assist in establishing a secure environment in order for broader diplomacy efforts to come to fruition.

At this time, it is assessed the airstrike killed two (2) terrorists. A detailed post-strike analysis continues and more details may be released as appropriate.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.  Our process and procedures allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.  In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.

ISIS-Somalia Degraded by Precision Airstrike

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an ISIS-Somalia encampment in the Golis Mountains, Somalia, on May 9, 2019.

This deliberate campaign is building on increased intelligence and understanding of ISIS training and recruitment activities in Puntland, and is the fourth precision airstrike against ISIS-Somalia since April 14.

The work U.S. Africa Command performs by, with and through AMISOM and our Somali partners, whether assisting with the threats they face or training them to improve their capabilities, is geared toward one goal – establishing a secure environment in order for broader diplomacy efforts to come to fruition.  The Federal Government of Somalia and partner forces continue to make incursions into territory formerly controlled by ISIS.

At this time, it is assessed the airstrike on May 9 killed four (4) terrorists.  A detailed post-strike analysis continues and more details may be released as appropriate.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.  Our process and procedures allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.  In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.

Somali Forces & U.S. Africa Command Conduct Airstrike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia’s continued efforts to degrade violent extremist organizations, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an ISIS-Somalia encampment in the Golis Mountains, Somalia, on May 8, 2019.

“We are supporting our Somali and AMISOM partners with increased, mature intelligence sharing,” said Rear Admiral Heidi Berg, U.S. Africa Command director of intelligence. “There is a deliberate campaign underway, that is intelligence-driven, that capitalizes on what we learn during each operation and rapidly leveraging that information to drive the next operation, including discovering where terrorists may be training, massing, and preparing to commit atrocities.”

U.S. Africa Command precision airstrikes support Somali security force activities and build enhanced security conditions to allow time and space for governance and economic development to occur.

At this time, it is assessed the airstrike on May 8 killed thirteen (13) terrorists.  A detailed post-strike analysis continues and more details may be released as appropriate.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.  Our process and procedures allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.  In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.

Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. target al-Shabaab terrorists

To support the Federal Government of Somalia’s continued efforts to degrade al-Shabaab, U.S. forces conducted a precision airstrike targeting al-Shabaab militants in the vicinity of Tortoroow, Somalia, on May 5, 2019.

Somali forces were leading an operation to disrupt the terrorist network in the area and to bolster local support for the Federal Government of Somalia.  The airstrike was conducted in collective self-defense of our Somali partners after they were engaged by al-Shabaab militants during this operation.

“This airstrike is an example of the niche capabilities we provide our Somali partners as they take the fight to al-Shabaab,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Gregg Olson, U.S. Africa Command director of operations.  “Our precision strike capabilities support our Somali partners as they continue to lead operations against the terrorist network.”

At this time, it is assessed this airstrike killed three al-Shabaab terrorists.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike. When warranted, processes and procedures exist that allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.  In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counter-terror operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.

Somali Forces & U.S. Africa Command Conduct Airstrike Targeting ISIS-Somalia 

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia’s continued efforts to degrade violent extremist organizations, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia terrorists in the Golis Mountains, Somalia, on April 26, 2019.

“This airstrike eliminated ISIS-Somalia members staged in a remote location in Northern Somalia,” said Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Gregg Olson, U.S. Africa Command director of operations.  “Removing these extremists impacts ISIS-Somalia’s ability to terrorize innocent Somalis in the region and it creates confusion within the terrorist network.”

This is the second precision airstrike U.S. Africa Command has executed in coordination with our Somali partners against ISIS-Somalia this month.  The first airstrike occurred on April 14, killing the second in command of ISIS-Somalia, Abdulhakim Dhuqub.

U.S. Africa Command precision airstrikes support Somali security force activities and build enhanced security conditions to allow time and space for governance and economic development to occur.

At this time, it is assessed the airstrike on April 26 killed three (3) terrorists.  A detailed post-strike analysis continues and more details may be released as appropriate.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.  Our process and procedures allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.  In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.

Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. target al-Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia’s continued efforts to weaken al-Shabaab, U.S. forces conducted an airstrike in the vicinity of Jamaame, Lower Juba Region, Somalia, on April 19, 2019.

Two years ago, al-Shabaab maintained a level of freedom of movement that allowed the group to terrorize and displace Somali citizens in the Lower Juba River Valley, which is near Kismayo.  Today, our Somali and AMISOM partners have pushed the extremist group back up the river valley, establishing multiple combat outposts along the way in order to ensure our partners can hold the territory they have successfully retaken.

“Our Somali security partners have built combat outposts and have created more stability in the valley,” said U.S. Air Force Brig. Gen. William West, U.S. Africa Command deputy director of operations.  “As a result, the Federal Government of Somalia has increased its governance in the region.  This civil government engagement is absolutely vital and is helping to create durable, long-term stability.”

The Federal Government of Somalia and partner forces continue to make incursions into territory formerly controlled by al-Shabaab.

“Our efforts at training Somali forces are paying dividends,” said West.  “When we train a relatively small unit and that unit then engages with other Somali forces, the experience and professionalism we instilled in the original unit spreads to others, and that’s making a difference.”

At this time, it is assessed this airstrike killed two al-Shabaab terrorists.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.  When warranted, processes and procedures exist that allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.  In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counter-terror operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.

U.S. confirms airstrike against ISIS-Somalia’s Abdulhakim Dhuqub

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia’s continued efforts to degrade violent extremist organizations, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike in the vicinity of Xiriiro, Bari Region, Somalia, on April 14, 2019, killing Abdulhakim Dhuqub, a high ranking ISIS-Somalia official.

As second in command of ISIS-Somalia, Dhuqub was responsible for the daily operations of the extremist group, attack planning, and resource procurement.

The U.S. supports the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts to advance economic development, increase governance, and further develop its military institutions. U.S. Africa Command precision airstrikes support Somali security force activities and build enhanced security conditions to allow time and space for governance and economic development to occur.

“We continue to work with our Somali partners to keep pressure on the al-Shabaab and ISIS-Somalia terror networks,” said Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Gregg Olson, U.S. Africa Command director of operations. “When it supports the strategy, we use precision airstrikes to target those who plan and carry out the violent extremist activities that put Somalis at risk.”

At this time, it is assessed this airstrike killed only Dhuqub and destroyed one vehicle.

Currently, we assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike. Our process and procedures allow for additional information to inform post-strike analysis.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with its partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia from AMISOM to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.  In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces will use all effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people, including partnered military counterterrorism operations with the Federal Government of Somalia, AMISOM, and Somali National Army forces.