The United States has carried out 23 airstrikes in Somalia this year, targeting Al-Shabaab and ISIS, according to AFRICOM.
AFRICOM spokesperson Major Mahalia Frost said that the increase in attacks is part of a broader U.S. effort across Africa to counter ISIS, including recent strikes in Nigeria.
The U.S. also noted that the security challenges in Somalia and Nigeria are interconnected, highlighting the need for regional cooperation and intelligence sharing.
AFRICOM Deputy Commander Lieutenant General John Brennan emphasized that the U.S. works closely with partner countries, providing military, intelligence, and equipment support to directly counter terrorist threats.
U.S. strikes in Somalia have surged significantly, with former President Trump authorizing 219 air and ground operations over four years.
This month, the Somali government reported that a high-ranking Al-Shabaab leader was killed in a joint operation.
The United States has long been involved in Somalia, particularly in the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS. Since the mid-2000s, the U.S. has carried out strikes in the country following the emergence of Al-Shabaab.
