U.S. Continues Sustained Airstrike Campaign Against ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabaab in Somalia

SOMALIA - U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) carried out multiple airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabaab militants in Somalia during the first 17 days of February, with the latest strike reported by U.S. Africa Command on February 18.

The operations took place in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces. Strikes hit positions in the northeast Puntland region and in southern and central areas, continuing AFRICOM’s support for Somali counter-terrorism efforts against both groups.

The strikes reflect a high operational tempo, with activity reported on at least nine dates. AFRICOM has stated that the actions aim to degrade the militants’ ability to threaten U.S. forces, Somali security personnel, and civilians.

No specific details on munitions, aircraft, or battle damage assessments were released, consistent with operational security protocols.

Timeline of Confirmed Airstrikes

• 1 February 2026: Airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia

• 3 February 2026: Airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia

• 9 February 2026: Airstrike targeting al-Shabaab

• 10 February 2026: Airstrike targeting al-Shabaab

• 13 February 2026: Airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia

• 14 February 2026: Strikes targeting ISIS-Somalia in the Golis Mountains (approximately 65 km southeast of Bossaso) and al-Shabaab in southern Somalia (approximately 145 km southwest of Kismayo)

• 15 February 2026: Airstrike targeting al-Shabaab in the vicinity of Shabeellaha Dhexe (approximately 165 km northeast of Mogadishu)

• 16 February 2026: Airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia

• 17 February 2026: Airstrike targeting al-Shabaab in the vicinity of Harbole (approximately 75 km northwest of Kismayo)

Assessment: The sequence demonstrates sustained pressure across both groups, with strikes alternating between ISIS-Somalia strongholds in the northeast and al-Shabaab positions in the south and center. This pattern disrupts operations simultaneously in geographically separated theaters.

Operational Details and Locations

Northeast operations focused on ISIS-Somalia positions in the Golis Mountains area of Puntland. Southern and central strikes primarily engaged al-Shabaab targets southwest of Kismayo and northeast of Mogadishu. All AFRICOM releases emphasize joint planning with Somali authorities and the shared goal of reducing militant operational capacity.

Assessment: The geographic spread of operations covers distinct theaters separated by hundreds of kilometers, indicating coordinated efforts to prevent cross-regional reinforcement or regrouping by the targeted groups.

Official Statements

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, 18 February 2026 “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 16, 2026. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 70 km southeast of Bossaso.”

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, 17 February 2026 “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on Feb. 15, 2026. This airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Shabeellaha Dhexe, approximately 165 km northeast of Mogadishu.”

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, 16 February 2026 “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 14, 2026. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 65 km southeast of Bossaso.”

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, 16 February 2026 “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on Feb. 14, 2026. This airstrike occurred in the vicinity of southern Somalia, approximately 145 km southwest of Kismayo.”