Pentagon statement on airstrike in Somalia

On March 5, 2016, the U.S. military, in self-defense and in defense of our African Union Mission in Somalia partners, conducted an airstrike in Somalia against an al-Shabaab training facility.

By Department of Defense Mar 07, 2016

View Gallery

Gallery contains 1 image

IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Statement from Pentagon Press Secretary Peter Cook on Airstrike in Somalia

On Saturday, March 5, 2016, the U.S. military, in self-defense and in defense of our African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) partners, conducted an airstrike in Somalia against Raso Camp, a training facility of al-Shabaab, which is a terrorist group affiliated with al-Qaeda. The strike was conducted using manned and unmanned aircraft. The fighters who were scheduled to depart the camp posed an imminent threat to U.S. and African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM) forces in Somalia.

The removal of these fighters degrades al-Shabaab's ability to meet the group's objectives in Somalia, including recruiting new members, establishing bases, and planning attacks on U.S. and AMISOM forces.

We continue to assess the results of the operation and will provide additional information as and when appropriate.

SEE ORIGINAL RELEASE

U.S. Forces Strike ISIS-Somalia

AFRICOM Commander Visits Somalia to Strengthen Partnership

AFRICOM Commander visits Somalia

U.S. Forces provide assistance to Somalia National Army

U.S. forces engage insurgents in support of the Federal Government of Somalia

Somalia

airstrike

U.S. Forces Conduct Significant Kinetic Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against multiple ISIS-Somalia targets on March 29, 2025.

Combined Drug Operation Seizes Six Tons of Cocaine in Gulf of Guinea

In a significant combined operation, the French Navy seized over six tons of cocaine from a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Guinea on Saturday, March 15.

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted multiple airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on March 25, 2025.

U.S. Forces Conduct Significant Kinetic Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against multiple ISIS-Somalia targets on March 29, 2025.

Combined Drug Operation Seizes Six Tons of Cocaine in Gulf of Guinea

In a significant combined operation, the French Navy seized over six tons of cocaine from a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Guinea on Saturday, March 15.

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted multiple airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on March 25, 2025.

U.S. Forces Conduct Significant Kinetic Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against multiple ISIS-Somalia targets on March 29, 2025.

Combined Drug Operation Seizes Six Tons of Cocaine in Gulf of Guinea

In a significant combined operation, the French Navy seized over six tons of cocaine from a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Guinea on Saturday, March 15.

U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted multiple airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on March 25, 2025.

United States Africa Command

Pentagon statement on airstrike in Somalia

On March 5, 2016, the U.S. military, in self-defense and in defense of our African Union Mission in Somalia partners, conducted an airstrike in Somalia against an al-Shabaab training facility.

United States Africa Command Image