The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has disclosed that it conducted ten airstrikes in Somalia in 2025, with the latest figures confirmed on March 5 following an inquiry from an American think tank. These strikes, directed at ISIS and al-Shabaab targets, had previously been omitted from several official press releases.
The first confirmed strike took place on February 1, targeting ISIS in Somalia. Although multiple aircraft and munitions were involved, AFRICOM classified the operation as a single strike, following its standard practice of counting strikes by individual targets rather than the number of weapons used. Another strike against ISIS occurred on February 16.
On February 20, three separate strikes targeted al-Shabaab militants, though AFRICOM initially grouped them under a general reference to “airstrikes.” A subsequent clarification confirmed that three distinct operations had taken place. Additional strikes against ISIS followed on February 21 and 22, both classified individually. A further airstrike was launched against al-Shabaab on February 25. The most recent operations occurred on March 1, when two separate strikes were conducted against the group.
These airstrikes coincide with an intensifying al-Shabaab insurgency, marked by a large-scale assault on February 20. The group briefly seized Bal’ad, a strategic town just 30 kilometres from Mogadishu, forcing Somali forces to withdraw before later reclaiming the area. The attack highlighted persistent vulnerabilities in Somalia’s security structure, as the insurgents successfully coordinated assaults across multiple fronts.
Despite recent military gains, Somali forces continue to face logistical and resource limitations, relying heavily on external support. However, on Wednesday, Somali Finance Minister Bihi Imaan Egeh revealed that the U.S. had cut funding for the Danab special forces unit, a key component of Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts. This funding loss adds to the government’s mounting economic challenges, further complicating its ability to sustain military operations against al-Shabaab.
According to Somali Hiiraan Online the Somali government has historically depended on international partners, including U.S. assistance, to bolster its security forces. With reduced financial aid, officials now face pressure to secure alternative funding while maintaining the military’s operational capacity. While AFRICOM’s continued airstrikes offer strategic support, Somalia’s broader counter-insurgency efforts will require addressing security, financial, and logistical gaps to prevent further militant gains.