Federal Government of Somalia, AFRICOM conduct airstrike against al-Shabaab

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab compound in the vicinity of Saakow, Somalia, on Feb. 22, 2020.



By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Feb 22, 2020
View Gallery
fallback
Gallery contains 1 image

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab compound in the vicinity of Saakow, Somalia, on Feb. 22, 2020.

“Al-Shabaab kills regularly and indiscriminately,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Miguel Castellanos, U.S. Africa Command deputy director of operations. “This al-Qaida affiliate exploits innocent Somalis, displaces families, and imposes illegal taxes through force and violence. They want to export their vision of destruction more widely. It is our collective international efforts and persistent pressure that prevents this from occurring.”

Initial assessments conclude two terrorists were killed, one terrorist was wounded, and an al-Shabaab compound was reduced as a result of this precision airstrike.

We currently assess no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.

Somalia remains key to the security environment of East Africa, and its long-term stability is important to advancing U.S. interests in the region. We will continue to work together on our support of the Federal Government of Somalia in its effort to bring improved governance, development and stability to the Somali people.

More in Media Room
U.S. Military Chaplains Increase Readiness at SADC Chaplains Conference
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and U.S. National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP) chaplains participated in the 2025 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chaplains Conference held in Lusaka, Zambia, April 9-11, 2025.
Read more
Flintlock 2025: 20 Years of Enhancing SOF Readiness in Africa
U.S. Africa Command’s annual, combined special operations exercise, kicked off in Côte d’Ivoire today. From April 24 – May 14, Flintlock 25 will bring together approximately 500 personnel from more than 30 nations to strengthen collective readiness in response to shared threats.
Read more
USAFRICOM Successfully Tests AI-Powered Personnel System During Continuity of Operations Exercise
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) recently completed a successful Continuity of Operations (COOP) exercise, significantly bolstered by a use of an emerging artificial intelligence (AI) PowerApp capability designed to enhance efficiency with human resources management.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. Military Chaplains Increase Readiness at SADC Chaplains Conference
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and U.S. National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP) chaplains participated in the 2025 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chaplains Conference held in Lusaka, Zambia, April 9-11, 2025.
Read more
Flintlock 2025: 20 Years of Enhancing SOF Readiness in Africa
U.S. Africa Command’s annual, combined special operations exercise, kicked off in Côte d’Ivoire today. From April 24 – May 14, Flintlock 25 will bring together approximately 500 personnel from more than 30 nations to strengthen collective readiness in response to shared threats.
Read more
USAFRICOM Successfully Tests AI-Powered Personnel System During Continuity of Operations Exercise
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) recently completed a successful Continuity of Operations (COOP) exercise, significantly bolstered by a use of an emerging artificial intelligence (AI) PowerApp capability designed to enhance efficiency with human resources management.
Read more
More in Media Room
U.S. Military Chaplains Increase Readiness at SADC Chaplains Conference
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and U.S. National Guard’s State Partnership Program (SPP) chaplains participated in the 2025 Southern African Development Community (SADC) Chaplains Conference held in Lusaka, Zambia, April 9-11, 2025.
Read more
Flintlock 2025: 20 Years of Enhancing SOF Readiness in Africa
U.S. Africa Command’s annual, combined special operations exercise, kicked off in Côte d’Ivoire today. From April 24 – May 14, Flintlock 25 will bring together approximately 500 personnel from more than 30 nations to strengthen collective readiness in response to shared threats.
Read more
USAFRICOM Successfully Tests AI-Powered Personnel System During Continuity of Operations Exercise
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) recently completed a successful Continuity of Operations (COOP) exercise, significantly bolstered by a use of an emerging artificial intelligence (AI) PowerApp capability designed to enhance efficiency with human resources management.
Read more