US, Somalia Carry Out Airstrike, Continued Military Operations in Somalia Against Al-Shabaab Militants
Although AFRICOM has not yet released any updates regarding the recent strikes, the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu reposted the statements released by the Somalian government on their official X account.
AFRICA — During a joint operation by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and the Somali National Army (SNA) on April 16, 2025, an airstrike was carried out in Aadan Yabaal, Middle Shabelle, a region critical due to its proximity to key governance centers, targeting Al-Shabaab militants who have exploited local governance gaps to plan attacks, according to Somali military and government statements.
Although AFRICOM has not yet released any updates regarding the recent strikes, the U.S. Embassy in Mogadishu reposted the statements released by the Somalian government on their official X account.
The Somali government reported that the strike neutralized 35 militants, including senior leaders, with no civilian casualties reported. Subsequent operations on April 17, 2025, in the Bay Region near Baidoa and Baay Burjeed resulted in over 70 militants killed, including a foreign fighter leader, and more than 60 injured.
A maritime operation in Somali territorial waters destroyed two Al-Shabaab boats carrying advanced military equipment, further disrupting their operations.
Key Developments
On April 16, 2025, at 21:00 UTC, the SNA and AFRICOM executed a precision airstrike in Aadan Yabaal, Middle Shabelle region, targeting a site used by Al-Shabaab militants as a gathering point. The operation eliminated 35 militants, including senior leaders, according to the Somali Ministry of Information.
Photos: Somali Danab soldiers during urban operations training at Justified Accord 2024 (JA24) in Nanyuki, Kenya Feb. 28, 2024
Initial reports confirmed 12 operatives among the casualties, with ongoing assessments by SNA and AFRICOM to verify the full impact.
The operation aimed to neutralize the threat posed by Al-Shabaab in a strategically significant region.