The destructive and growing threat in Africa from terrorist organizations is significant and impacts not only Africans, but also the U.S. and international allies. In coordination with our African partners, U.S. Africa Command stands ready to counter threats that infringe upon the protection of our shared interests.

As the presence of terrorist activity remains, our reliance on operational actions that directly support partner forces in degrading threat actors is essential. Through decisive action we can preserve this vision of security by giving partner forces an operational advantage to conduct counter terrorism and peacekeeping missions. African partners serve as the first line in the fight against terrorist activity within the region and the first, best option to take action against terrorist organizations.

However, when necessary, airstrikes, in consultation with our African partners, are tools that we employ to degrade terrorists’ ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad. By maintaining a strike process that aims to mitigate risks, U.S. Africa Command takes significant measures to comply with the principles of the Law of Armed Conflict during the course of our operations.