The United States has conducted sustained counterterrorism operations in Somalia since 2007, primarily targeting al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda affiliate, and ISIS-Somalia. Operations involve airstrikes, drone strikes, and special operations forces (AFRICOM) working alongside Somali National Army (SNA) and African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) forces. Al-Shabaab controls significant territory in southern and central Somalia and continues to conduct high-profile attacks in Mogadishu and beyond. In 2024-2025, AFRICOM has intensified strikes following al-Shabaab offensives against SNA positions and increased ISIS-Somalia activity in Puntland. The humanitarian situation remains critical with drought, famine risk, and mass displacement compounding the security crisis.
US Africa Command conducted a precision airstrike in the Lower Jubba region, confirmed killing a senior al-Shabaab operational commander linked to cross-border attacks into Kenya. AFRICOM assessed no civilian casualties.
Al-Shabaab fighters overran a Somali National Army forward operating base in Hirshabelle State, killing at least 23 soldiers. The attack highlighted continued vulnerabilities in SNA force cohesion ahead of the planned ATMIS drawdown.
The African Union Transition Mission in Somalia announced an accelerated schedule to transfer security responsibilities to Somali forces by end of 2025, raising concerns among US and EU officials about a potential security vacuum exploited by al-Shabaab.
AFRICOM carried out multiple drone strikes in the Bari region of Puntland targeting ISIS-Somalia (Islamic State in Somalia) training camps. At least 11 ISIS fighters were reported killed. ISIS-Somalia has escalated attacks on Puntland security forces throughout late 2024.
A vehicle-borne IED detonated outside a hotel frequented by government officials in Mogadishu, killing 8 people including two regional parliamentarians. Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility, signaling continued capacity to strike hardened urban targets despite counterterrorism pressure.