U.S. strikes al-Shabaab fighters in Somalia

On July 4, 2017 the Department of Defense conducted a successful collective self-defense strike operation against an al-Shabaab troop concentration.



By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Jul 05, 2017
View Gallery
fallback
Gallery contains 1 image

On July 4, 2017, at approximately 6:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, working from actionable intelligence, the Department of Defense conducted a successful collective self-defense strike operation against an al-Shabaab troop concentration. The operation occurred approximately 300 miles southwest of Mogadishu.

Al-Shabaab has pledged allegiance to al-Qaeda and is dedicated to providing safe haven for terrorist attacks throughout the world. Al-Shabaab has publicly committed to planning and conducting attacks against the US and our allies.

We continue to work in coordination with our Somali partners and allies to systematically dismantle al-Shabaab, and help achieve stability and security throughout the region.

We will continue to assess the results of the operation, and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the units involved and assets used will not be released in order to ensure operational security.

This strike was conducted within the parameters of our authority to engage in collective self-defense of our Somali partners.

More in Media Room
What is a Combatant Command?
A Combatant Command is a military organization that coordinates and directs operations in a specific area of responsibility. The Department of Defense splits their efforts around the world by region, and each Combatant Command is responsible for military operations in its assigned area.
Read more
US Defense Officials Conclude Visit to Benin and Côte d'Ivoire
U.S. defense officials have concluded a successful visit to Benin and Côte d'Ivoire, focused on reinforcing defense and security cooperation with our key partners in Coastal West Africa. The delegation, led by Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs Maureen Farrell, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman, engaged in high-level discussions with senior defense leaders in both nations to enhance regional stability and address critical security challenges.
Read more
Federal Government of Somalia engages al-Shabaab 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 al-Shabaab on Dec. 31, 2024.
Read more
More in Media Room
What is a Combatant Command?
A Combatant Command is a military organization that coordinates and directs operations in a specific area of responsibility. The Department of Defense splits their efforts around the world by region, and each Combatant Command is responsible for military operations in its assigned area.
Read more
US Defense Officials Conclude Visit to Benin and Côte d'Ivoire
U.S. defense officials have concluded a successful visit to Benin and Côte d'Ivoire, focused on reinforcing defense and security cooperation with our key partners in Coastal West Africa. The delegation, led by Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs Maureen Farrell, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman, engaged in high-level discussions with senior defense leaders in both nations to enhance regional stability and address critical security challenges.
Read more
Federal Government of Somalia engages al-Shabaab 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 al-Shabaab on Dec. 31, 2024.
Read more
More in Media Room
What is a Combatant Command?
A Combatant Command is a military organization that coordinates and directs operations in a specific area of responsibility. The Department of Defense splits their efforts around the world by region, and each Combatant Command is responsible for military operations in its assigned area.
Read more
US Defense Officials Conclude Visit to Benin and Côte d'Ivoire
U.S. defense officials have concluded a successful visit to Benin and Côte d'Ivoire, focused on reinforcing defense and security cooperation with our key partners in Coastal West Africa. The delegation, led by Acting Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Amanda Dory, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for African Affairs Maureen Farrell, and U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Kenneth Ekman, engaged in high-level discussions with senior defense leaders in both nations to enhance regional stability and address critical security challenges.
Read more
Federal Government of Somalia engages al-Shabaab 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 al-Shabaab on Dec. 31, 2024.
Read more