US Increases Airstrikes in Somalia to Record Levels

This year, the United States has conducted more bombings in Somalia than ever before, according to a report from Stars and Stripes. Africom, the US military’s command center for Africa, executed 72 airstrikes in Somalia in 2025, breaking its previous record of 63 strikes set in 2019.

The military has been active in Somalia since the 1990s, focusing its recent efforts on Islamic State affiliates. In addition to air support, Africom is involved in training and providing logistical assistance to Somali forces. These forces are engaged in combat against Al-Qaeda-linked groups, including ISIS and Al-Shabaab. It’s a complex situation, with ongoing challenges in addressing terrorism.

Earlier this year, the US also launched one of the largest airstrikes in history as part of a mission targeting ISIS in Somalia, dropping a significant ordinance while engaged with Houthi rebels. Incidents like these highlight the long-standing issues of terrorism in Somalia, where Al-Shabaab remains a prominent threat. This group emerged in 2015 when fighters defected from a branch of Al-Qaeda.

On a different note, a recent incident involved indirect fire from US and allied Somali forces, though there were no reports of casualties or property damage following the attack. Reports suggest that combat rules were relaxed this February, allowing for quicker decisions to target threats without needing prior civilian approval.

Africom has not yet provided comments regarding the reports of increased activity. The entire situation, especially with the complexities of military operations and local dynamics, remains fluid and challenging.