U.S. Africa Command Conducts Airstrike Targeting al-Shabaab Near Welmaro, Somalia

SOUTHERN SOMALIA — U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on June 19 in the vicinity of Welmaro, approximately 64 miles (103 km) north of Kismayo.

The strike was carried out in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, according to U.S. Africa Command.

No details on specific targets struck, participating units, assets employed, or battle damage assessment were released. The command stated that specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

The command continues to act alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and U.S. citizens abroad.

No casualty figures, civilian impact assessments, or collateral damage information appear in the release.

In a separate incident on June 18, the June 20 AFRICOM release confirmed that U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab in the lower Juba region, approximately 47 miles (76 km) northwest of Kismayo.

That operation followed the same coordination framework with Somali partners and similarly withheld unit and asset details for operational security reasons.

Strike Location and Timing

The June 21 AFRICOM release reported that the June 19 airstrike took place in the vicinity of Welmaro in the Lower Juba region of southern Somalia. Welmaro lies roughly 64 miles (103 km) north of Kismayo, a major port city in Jubaland state.

The June 20 AFRICOM release confirmed that the June 18 airstrikes occurred in the same general theater, the lower Juba region, at a distance of approximately 47 miles (76 km) northwest of Kismayo.

Both strikes occurred within a 24-hour window in an area of ongoing counter-al-Shabaab operations.

What to Monitor

• Subsequent AFRICOM press releases or updates on operations in the Lower Juba region for any follow-up details, assessments, or additional strikes.

• Any public statement from the Federal Government of Somalia or Somali Armed Forces regarding coordination or results of the June 18 or June 19 actions.

• Official Somali government channels and African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) releases for updates on al-Shabaab activity or security operations in Jubaland state.

Official Statements

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, June 21 statement: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on June 19, 2026. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Welmaro, approximately 103 km north of Kismayo. AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and our citizens abroad. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.”

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, June 20 statement on June 18 operation: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting al-Shabaab on June 18, 2026. The airstrikes occurred in the lower Juba region, approximately 76 km northwest of Kismayo. AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and our citizens abroad.”