Federal Government of Somalia, AFRICOM target al-Shabaab senior leader

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab senior leader in the vicinity of Saakow, Somalia, on Aug. 25, 2020.



By U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs United States Africa Command Stuttgart, Germany Aug 25, 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 senior leader in the vicinity of Saakow, Somalia, on Aug. 25, 2020.  

“Working with our Somali partners, we continue to weaken and degrade the al-Shabaab network,” said U.S. Marine Corps Maj. Gen. Bradford Gering, deputy director for operations, U.S. Africa Command. “Our efforts are increasing security and helping to disrupt al-Shabaab’s future plans and ambitions.”

Together with partner and international forces, U.S. Africa Command activities are designed to improve security conditions and prevent al-Shabaab's desire to expand their reach. 

The command's initial assessment concluded this airstrike killed one (1) terrorist. 

U.S. Africa Command currently assesses no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this airstrike.

U.S. Africa Command and our international partners recognize that stability in Somalia will not be achieved through purely military means. It requires strong governance and providing economic programs and opportunity for the Somali people. 

In support of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. forces contribute to the training of Somali forces and use a range of effective and appropriate methods to assist in the protection of the Somali people. 

U.S. Africa Command continues to work with its Somali partners to transfer the responsibility for long-term security in Somalia to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.

More in Media Room
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
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
More in Media Room
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
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
More in Media Room
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
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