U.S. Africa Command Conducts Airstrikes Targeting al-Shabaab in Somalia; Danab Special Forces Carry Out Ground Operation in Lower Juba

SOMALIA — On July 10, a day after Danab special forces of the Somali National Army, working with Jubbaland Security Forces, overran al-Shabaab positions in the Baqdaad area near Badhaadhe in Lower Juba, U.S. Africa Command released a statement disclosing an airstrike it had carried out against the group on July 8. The command had conducted four such strikes between July 3 and July 8.

U.S. Airstrike Operations

U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs released statements for each strike. Every release stated that specific details about units and assets would not be released to ensure continued operations security.

Each release also stated that AFRICOM 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 citizens abroad.

• The July 3 strike was carried out in the vicinity of Farsooley, approximately 56 miles (90 km) west of Mogadishu, the statement was published on July 5.

• The July 4 strike occurred in the vicinity of Jamame, approximately 37 miles (60 km) northeast of Kismayo. The statement was published on July 6.

• The July 5 strike occurred in the vicinity of Juba, approximately 47 miles (75 km) northwest of Kismayo.

• The July 8 strike occurred approximately 56 miles (90 km) northwest of Kismayo. The statement was published on July 10.

No casualty figures, battle damage assessments, or named units were released for any of the strikes.

Somali National Army Ground Operation in Lower Juba

The Danab Special Forces of the Somali National Army, in coordination with Jubbaland Security Forces, carried out a planned operation at dawn on July 9 against al-Shabaab positions in the area of Baqdaad near Badhaadhe district in the Lower Juba region. The operation targeted positions occupied by al-Shabaab.

The Somali Defense Ministry stated that the action killed two senior al-Shabaab leaders and 14 fighters. Forces captured two additional al-Shabaab leaders alive and seized weapons and military equipment that al-Shabaab had been using to carry out attacks and terrorize civilians.

The ministry stated that Somali National Army operations would continue to eliminate al-Shabaab presence and restore security.

National Intelligence and Security Agency Operation in Middle Jubba

The National Intelligence and Security Agency, in coordination with international security partners, executed a precision operation in the Middle Jubba region targeting a major al-Shabaab logistical and operational complex in the village of Arabow near Bu’aale.

The operation dismantled the group’s local political and administrative headquarters, a specialized facility for assembling improvised explosive devices, and the offices of its media wing Al-Kataib.

A militia training camp and a residential compound housing senior instructors were also leveled. The engagement resulted in the confirmed deaths of eight al-Shabaab operatives present at the site.

Official Statements

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, July 5 statement on the July 3 strike: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on July 3. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Farsooley, approximately 90 km west of Mogadishu. 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, July 6 statement on the July 4 strike: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on July 4. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Jamame, approximately 60 km northeast 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, July 7 statement on the July 5 strike: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on July 5. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Juba, approximately 75 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. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.”

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, July 10 statement on the July 8 strike: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on July 8. The airstrike occurred approximately 90 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. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.”

• Somali Defense Ministry, July 9 statement: “Mogadishu - 08, July, 2026: The Danab Special Forces of the Somali National Army, in coordination with the Jubbaland Security Forces, carried out an operation at dawn today against Al-Shabaab militants in the area of Baqdaad, near the district of Badhaadhe in the Lower Juba region. The operation targeted positions occupied by Al-Shabaab, resulting in the killing of two senior leaders and 14 terrorists. The troops also captured two additional Al-Shabaab leaders alive. During the operation, the forces seized weapons and military equipment that Al-Shabaab had been using to carry out attacks and terrorize civilians. The Somali National Army will continue operations to eliminate Al-Shabaab, liberate the remaining areas where the terrorist group continues to maintain a presence, and restore lasting peace and security across the country.”