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
U.S. Forces conduct strike against al Shabaab
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al Shabaab on April 16, 2025.
Read more
Federal Government of Somalia engages ISIS-Somalia with support from U.S. Forces
At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on April 18, 2025.
Read more
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al Shabaab
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes against advanced conventional weapons aboard a flagless vessel and a smaller supporting vessel inside Somalia territorial waters on April 16, 2025.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. Forces conduct strike against al Shabaab
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al Shabaab on April 16, 2025.
Read more
Federal Government of Somalia engages ISIS-Somalia with support from U.S. Forces
At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on April 18, 2025.
Read more
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al Shabaab
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes against advanced conventional weapons aboard a flagless vessel and a smaller supporting vessel inside Somalia territorial waters on April 16, 2025.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. Forces conduct strike against al Shabaab
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against al Shabaab on April 16, 2025.
Read more
Federal Government of Somalia engages ISIS-Somalia with support from U.S. Forces
At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on April 18, 2025.
Read more
U.S. Forces Conduct Strike Targeting al Shabaab
In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes against advanced conventional weapons aboard a flagless vessel and a smaller supporting vessel inside Somalia territorial waters on April 16, 2025.
Read more