U.S. service member killed in Somalia

U.S. service member was killed, May 4, during an operation against al-Shabaab approximately 40 miles west of Mogadishu.



May 05, 2017

On May 4, one U.S. service member was killed during an operation against al-Shabaab in Somalia, approximately 40 miles west of Mogadishu.

U.S. forces were conducting an advise and assist mission alongside members of the Somali National Army.

Al-Shabaab presents a threat to Americans and American interests.

Al Shabaab is an affiliate of the terrorist group al-Qaeda, which has murdered Americans; radicalizes and recruits terrorists and fighters in the United States; and attempts to conduct and inspire attacks against Americans, our allies and our interests around the world, including here at home.

U.S. forces are assisting partner forces to counter al-Shabaab in Somalia to degrade the al-Qaeda affiliate's ability to recruit, train and plot external terror attacks throughout the region and in America.

We continue to support our Somali and regional partners to systematically dismantle this al Qaeda affiliate, and help them to achieve stability and security throughout the region as part of the global counterterrorism effort.

More in Media Room
AFRICOM Deputy Commander Visits Libya, announces Libyan participation in Exercise Flintlock 2026
Read more
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Oct. 3, 2025.
Read more
AFRICOM Support Leads to Cocaine Seizure
U.S. Africa Command support to the French Navy led to the seizure of almost 10 tons of cocaine on Sept. 22. 2025.
Read more
More in Media Room
AFRICOM Deputy Commander Visits Libya, announces Libyan participation in Exercise Flintlock 2026
Read more
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Oct. 3, 2025.
Read more
AFRICOM Support Leads to Cocaine Seizure
U.S. Africa Command support to the French Navy led to the seizure of almost 10 tons of cocaine on Sept. 22. 2025.
Read more
More in Media Room
AFRICOM Deputy Commander Visits Libya, announces Libyan participation in Exercise Flintlock 2026
Read more
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting ISIS-Somalia
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Oct. 3, 2025.
Read more
AFRICOM Support Leads to Cocaine Seizure
U.S. Africa Command support to the French Navy led to the seizure of almost 10 tons of cocaine on Sept. 22. 2025.
Read more