U.S.-Supported Somali Offensive: Military Strikes, Diplomacy, and Development
At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on April 18, 2025.
AFRICA — U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) significantly supported Somalia’s counter-terrorism operations, conducting a collective self-defense airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on April 18 southeast of Bosasso, Puntland, and a maritime operation on April 17 that destroyed two vessels carrying Al-Shabaab weaponry in Somali waters.
These efforts, requested by the Federal Government of Somalia, complemented the Somali National Army’s operations, which killed over 120 Al-Shabaab militants across multiple regions, according to the Somalian Ministry of Information.
Concurrently, Somalia advanced diplomatic ties with Turkey and Egypt and launched infrastructure projects, including the NIRA Center in Las Anod and a Starlink internet license, to enhance governance and connectivity.
Military Operations
In April 2025, the Somali National Army (SNA), supported by international partners including U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), conducted a series of coordinated operations targeting ISIS-Somalia and Al-Shabaab (referred to as "Khawaarij" by Somali authorities).
These operations, spanning multiple regions, aimed to disrupt terrorist activities and secure key areas, with significant casualties inflicted on militant groups. Despite successes, the persistence of fleeing militants highlights ongoing challenges in achieving lasting stability.
April 16, 2025 – Buulo Doon, Lower Shabelle Region: The SNA’s elite Danab Commandos eliminated several Al-Shabaab militants and seized AK-47 rifles. Local residents warmly welcomed the troops, per the Somalian Ministry of Defense (MoD-Somalia, April 16, 2025).
April 17, 2025 – Burajeedka, near Deynunay: The SNA executed an intelligence-led assault, killing 18 Al-Shabaab militants and seizing weapons and military gear, as reported by the Somalian Ministry of Defense (MoD-Somalia, April 17, 2025).
April 17, 2025 – Aadan Yabaal, Middle Shabelle Region: The SNA, backed by international partners, conducted a precision airstrike on Al-Shabaab positions, eliminating 12 terrorists, including senior leaders, with no civilian casualties reported, according to the Somalian Ministry of Information (MoI-Somalia, April 17, 2025).
April 17, 2025 – Baay Burjeed, Bay Region: The SNA and South West Darwish Forces killed over 35 Al-Shabaab militants, including a foreign commander, 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) from Baidoa. They recovered 18 bodies, with operations ongoing to locate fleeing militants, per the MoI-Somalia (April 17, 2025, Images 3, 8). A separate report noted a similar operation on the outskirts of Baydhabo (Baidoa), with community celebrations, likely referring to the same event (MoI-Somalia, April 17, 2025).
April 17, 2025 – Somali Territorial Waters: U.S. and Somali forces destroyed two vessels—an unflagged ship and a smaller support craft—carrying advanced weaponry for Al-Shabaab. All individuals aboard were neutralized, with no civilian casualties, as confirmed by AFRICOM (April 19, 2025) and the MoI-Somalia (April 17, 2025).
April 18, 2025 – Burajeed, near Deynuunay: The SNA and South West Darwish Forces eliminated nearly 40 Al-Shabaab terrorists, including a foreign commander. Minister of Defense Hon. Jibril Abdirashid Haji noted the operation’s success as evidence of the SNA’s growing strength, per the MoD-Somalia (April 18, 2025).
April 18, 2025 – Southeast of Bosasso, Puntland: AFRICOM conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against ISIS-Somalia at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, aiming to degrade the group’s operational capacity, as stated by AFRICOM (April 19, 2025).
U.S. Military Tactics and Weaponry, Full Report:
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