The United States military has carried out an airstrike targeting the Islamist militant group al-Shabaab in southern Somalia, according to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM).
The strike was conducted on 15 July 2026 in coordination with Somalia’s Federal Government and took place near Welmaro, approximately 100 kilometres north of the port city of Kismayo.
In a statement, AFRICOM said the operation was aimed at degrading al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and American citizens overseas. The command added that it would continue working alongside the Somali Federal Government and the Somali Armed Forces in operations against the militant group.
AFRICOM did not disclose further details about the units or military assets involved, citing operational security concerns.
The military did not immediately provide information on casualties or an assessment of the strike’s impact. Independent verification of the operation was not immediately available.
