US Conducts Precision Airstrike Against Al Shabaab Movement in Somalia.

On 15 July 2024, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), in response to a request from the Somali federal government, conducted an airstrike targeting Al Shabaab terrorists. The operation, which took place near Ceel Dheere, approximately 170 km northeast of Mogadishu, resulted in the elimination of ten militants without any civilian casualties.
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USAF MQ9 Reaper Combat Drone (Picture source: US DoD)

According to an initial AFRICOM report, this intervention was part of a collective defense context, following an Al Shabaab attack on Somali forces, necessitating urgent medical evacuation of several wounded soldiers. This action aligns with AFRICOM's ongoing commitments to support security efforts in Somalia and prevent terrorist activities in the region.

AFRICOM, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, works closely with the Danab Advanced Infantry Brigade, an elite unit of Somali special forces, as well as other regional partners, to strengthen local defense capabilities and maintain security in East Africa. The Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), integral to U.S. operations in the region, plays a crucial role in providing training, equipment, and logistical support to Somali troops.

The U.S. military infrastructure in Somalia includes the Baledogle Airfield, which serves as a central hub for reconnaissance missions and airstrikes directed against terrorist groups. U.S. forces deploy drones such as the MQ-9 Reaper there, specialized in precision strikes and surveillance missions essential to the success of operations against Al Shabaab.

Despite a partial troop withdrawal under the previous administration, the United States continues to conduct intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions to actively support the fight against terrorism in Somalia.

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) has stationed several units in Somalia, including the Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa (CJTF-HOA), which plays a vital role in U.S. operations in the region. This force focuses on supporting Somali forces in their fight against Al Shabaab.

According to AFRICOM officials, there are estimated to be between 5,000 and 7,000 Al Shabaab militants and between 100 and 300 ISIS-Somalia fighters in the country.

The CJTF-HOA provides a variety of supports including training, equipment, as well as logistical, medical, and intelligence assistance to the African Union and Somali armed forces. U.S. forces also work closely with the Danab Advanced Infantry Brigade, an elite unit of Somali special forces, to enhance their operational capabilities.

CJTF-HOA operations in Somalia include targeted airstrikes and collective defense operations to defend local partner forces against Al Shabaab attacks. The unit also plays a crucial role in the medical evacuation of Somali soldiers injured in combat against terrorist groups.

AFRICOM's aerial capabilities deployed in Somalia primarily include intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, both manned and unmanned, operating from Baledogle Airfield, northwest of Mogadishu. These ISR missions are vital for counter-terrorism operations, notably supporting the Danab advanced infantry brigade. Baledogle Airfield is essential to these operations, housing U.S. and Somali special forces, as well as drones used in counter-terrorism missions.

Despite the partial troop withdrawal under the previous administration, ISR missions have continued to ensure ongoing support for counter-terrorism operations in Somalia.

Drones used by AFRICOM for conducting airstrikes in Somalia mainly include surveillance and reconnaissance drones like the MQ-9 Reaper, capable of performing precision strikes on terrorist targets, including Al Shabaab militants and other extremist groups.