U.S. Airstrikes in Somalia Surpass Trump’s First‑Term Record

The United States has already exceeded the total number of airstrikes conducted by the Trump administration during its first term, with more than 207 strikes reported in Somalia. Recent operations include a five‑day bombing campaign in the port city of Kismayo and an additional strike in the Juba Valley on July 5. The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has not released casualty figures or identified those killed, continuing a pattern of limited transparency.

Previous U.S. strikes in Somalia have caused significant civilian casualties, notably the Jamaame attack that killed at least 12 people, including eight children and a pregnant woman. Human‑rights groups and journalists have raised concerns over the opaque nature of the campaign, noting that monitoring and verification have become increasingly difficult.

The surge in airstrikes highlights an intensifying U.S. military presence in East Africa, despite official statements emphasizing peace and prosperity worldwide.