United States and Somalia conduct joint airstrikes against Al-Shabaab

The United States and Somalia conducted targeted airstrikes against Al-Shabaab militants in the Bulo Bashiir area, located northeast of Janale, on October 23, 2026. The operation aimed to weaken the strategic capabilities and offensive infrastructure of the insurgent group, which maintains formal ties to Al Qaeda.

Al-Shabaab is described by U.S. Africa Command as the largest, wealthiest, and most lethal Al Qaeda affiliate globally, commanding between 7,000 and 12,000 combatants and generating an estimated $50 million to $100 million annually through illegal taxation. While the group has not claimed attacks within the United States, it has used propaganda to encourage lone-wolf attacks and has previously identified potential targets in Europe and the U.S.

The military response is part of a broader trend of bilateral military arrangements in Somalia. In addition to U.S. air support, which has recorded 88 strikes in the country during 2026, Somalia has engaged in operations involving the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and defense cooperation with Türkiye.