In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on Feb. 17, 2026.The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Harbole, approximately 75 km northwest of Kismayo.AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and our citizens abroad. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

HOME SECURITY Font Size Tuesday March 10, 2026 Kismayo (HOL) — U.S. Commander of Special Operations Command Africa met Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe, in Kismayo on Monday to discuss ongoing military operations against al-Shabab and expanded security cooperation in southern Somalia. Maj. Gen. Claude K. Tudor Jr.’s visit comes amid intensified counterterrorism efforts in the Jubbaland region, where Somali forces, supported by international partners, are seeking to contain the al-Qaida-linked militant group. According to a statement from the Jubbaland presidency, the talks focused on strengthening coordination between Jubbaland security forces and U.S. military officials, accelerating joint efforts against al-Shabab and enhancing regional stability. The meeting was attended by Jubbaland’s minister of internal security, Yusuf Hussein Osman. Officials said future cooperation is expected to include training programs and technical support aimed at improving the operational capacity of local security forces. The visit follows a recent U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) airstrike in the Harbole area, about 75 kilometers (47 miles) northwest of Kismayo. AFRICOM said the strike targeted al-Shabab fighters in an effort to disrupt the group’s operations and reduce threats to civilians and security installations. The United States has maintained a security partnership with Somalia for years, providing air support, training and advisory assistance to federal and regional forces combating al-Shabab, which has waged an insurgency against the Somali government for more than 16 years.

Facebook Twitter (X) Instagram Somali Magazine - People's Magazine U.S. Commander of Special Operations Command Africa, Maj. Gen. Claude K. Tudor Jr., met with Jubbaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam Madobe in Kismayo on Monday to discuss ongoing military operations against the militant group al-Shabab and ways to strengthen security cooperation in southern Somalia. The meeting took place at a time when counterterrorism efforts in the Jubbaland region have intensified. Somali security forces, working together with international partners, are increasing operations aimed at weakening the al-Qaida-linked group, which has remained one of the biggest security threats in the country for years. According to a statement from the Jubbaland presidency, the discussions focused on improving coordination between Jubbaland’s security forces and U.S. military officials. Both sides emphasized the importance of working closely together to strengthen the fight against al-Shabab and promote stability in southern Somalia. Officials said the talks also explored ways to expand future cooperation. This could include more training programs, technical support, and operational assistance designed to improve the effectiveness of local security forces. Strengthening the capacity of regional forces is seen as an important step toward maintaining security gains and protecting communities in the region. Jubbaland’s Minister of Internal Security, Yusuf Hussein Osman, also attended the meeting. His presence highlighted the importance of security coordination between regional authorities and international partners involved in counterterrorism operations. The visit came shortly after a recent airstrike carried out by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) in the Harbole area, located about 75 kilometers northwest of Kismayo. AFRICOM said the strike targeted al-Shabab fighters in an effort to disrupt the group’s activities and reduce threats to both civilians and security forces in the area. U.S. officials have repeatedly said that such operations are part of a broader strategy aimed at limiting the group’s ability to plan and carry out attacks. Airstrikes are often used alongside ground operations led by Somali forces to weaken militant networks and prevent them from regrouping. For many years, the United States has been one of Somalia’s key security partners. Through AFRICOM and other initiatives, the U.S. has provided air support, intelligence sharing, training, and advisory assistance to Somali federal and regional forces. These efforts are designed to strengthen Somalia’s ability to handle security challenges independently while also supporting ongoing operations against extremist groups. Al-Shabab has been fighting the Somali government for more than 16 years and continues to carry out attacks targeting civilians, government institutions, and security forces. Despite losing control of some territory over time, the group remains active in many parts of the country and continues to pose a serious threat to stability. Regional administrations such as Jubbaland play a crucial role in the fight against the group. Their security forces often operate on the front lines, working alongside the Somali National Army and international partners to push back militant fighters and protect local communities. The meeting in Kismayo signals continued cooperation between the United States and Somali regional authorities in addressing security challenges. Officials say strengthening partnerships, improving coordination, and building the capacity of local forces remain key elements in the broader effort to weaken al-Shabab and support long-term stability in Somalia.

Dave DeCamp is more or less alone in covering the ongoing U.S. air war in Somalia, which is, I think, quite something. Tom "US Africa Command said in a press release on Wednesday night that its forces launched another airstrike in Somalia on February 17 as the Trump administration continues its record-breaking bombing campaign in the country. The command said the strike targeted al-Shabaab in the vicinity of Harbole, a village about 46 miles northwest of the southern port city of Kismayo. As usual, AFRICOM offered no other details about the strike, and there have been no statements from the US-backed Somali government about military operations in the area that day. “Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security,” AFRICOM said. A day before the February 17 strike, the US conducted an airstrike in Somalia’s northeastern Puntland region that AFRICOM said targeted the ISIS affiliate, which is based in caves in a remote mountain region. The Trump administration has overseen a major escalation in US airstrikes in Somalia, which came after President Trump loosened the rules of engagement for the US military in early 2025. AFRICOM launched at least 124 airstrikes in Somalia in 2025, shattering the previous annual record for US airstrikes in the country, which President Trump set at 63 during his first term in 2019. This year, the US is on track to break the 2025 record if it maintains its current pace. The latest strike marks at least the 36th time the US bombed Somalia in 2026, which included 26 airstrikes in January alone."