Somalia emerging as a critical battleground

U.S. intensifies Somalia airstrikes to counter ISIS homeland threats

The U.S. military conducted 124 airstrikes in Somalia in 2025 against ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabab targets, a significant increase from 10 strikes in 2024, with 26 additional strikes carried out in the first month of 2026.

U.S. Africa Command, led by U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Brennan, has described these operations as targeting terrorist networks affiliated with ISIS and al Qaeda that pose threats to the United States and Europe.

The U.S. is working with Somali partners and regional allies, including Kenya and Ethiopia, to conduct these operations.

The United States provides intelligence, surveillance, and airpower support to prevent Somalia from becoming a base for terrorist organizations. The increased tempo of strikes represents a shift in U.S. military operations in the region compared to the previous year.

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