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

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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.

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In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an operation against the ISIS-Somalia terrorist network in Somalia on July 25.

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(this is an update to the previous August 1, 2025 press release)

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In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against al Shabaab on July 25, 2025.

U.S. Forces Conduct Operation Targeting ISIS-Somalia

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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