U.S. Africa Command Strikes al-Shabaab Near Welmaro in Seventh July Operation

SOMALIA — U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on July 15 in the vicinity of Welmaro, approximately 62 miles (100 km) north of Kismayo. The command released the statement on July 20.

The July 15 strike was the seventh airstrike AFRICOM announced against al-Shabaab in Somalia between July 3 and July 15, all conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia.

The strikes concentrated in areas west and southwest of Mogadishu and north and northwest of Kismayo.

AFRICOM public affairs statements released between July 5 and July 20 described each action in near-identical language and withheld unit, platform, and battle-damage details for operational security.

According to the command’s official 2026 strikes listing, the United States had conducted 76 strikes inside Somalia by the most recent update, with all seven July entries focused exclusively on al-Shabaab.

Earlier months in the year also included strikes against ISIS-Somalia elements in the Golis Mountains.

The AFRICOM strikes page states that the command conducts strikes in coordination with African partners and under the authorities of the President of the United States when necessary to degrade terrorists’ ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, U.S. forces, and U.S. citizens abroad.

The page further states that AFRICOM maintains a strike process that aims to mitigate risks and takes significant measures to comply with the principles of the Law of Armed Conflict.

July Strike Locations and Timing

AFRICOM stated that an airstrike occurred on July 3 in the vicinity of Farsooley, approximately 56 miles (90 km) west of Mogadishu. The command released the statement on July 5.

On July 4 the command conducted a strike in the vicinity of Jamame, approximately 37 miles (60 km) northeast of Kismayo. The statement appeared on July 6.

A July 5 strike took place in the vicinity of Juba, approximately 47 miles (75 km) northwest of Kismayo. The statement was issued on July 7.

On July 8 a strike occurred approximately 56 miles (90 km) northwest of Kismayo, listed in AFRICOM material as Baqdaad. The statement was dated July 10.

Two strikes were announced for July 13. One occurred in the vicinity of Sablaale, approximately 118 miles (190 km) southwest of Mogadishu.

The statement was released on July 14. The second occurred in the vicinity of Qumbi, approximately 55 miles (88 km) northwest of Kismayo. The statement was released on July 16.

A further strike on July 15 took place in the vicinity of Welmaro, approximately 62 miles (100 km) north of Kismayo. AFRICOM public affairs released that statement on July 20, completing the series of seven.

Kenyan Border Operation

In a separate incident on or about July 12, Kenyan Counter Terrorism Policing Special Operations Group personnel conducted an intelligence-led operation against a makeshift al-Shabaab camp near the Kenya-Somalia border in Mandera County.

The ground assault, supported by aerial assets, targeted approximately 30 fighters assessed to be preparing an attack on a border village.

Eleven al-Shabaab members were killed and seven wounded. The Counter Terrorism Policing Authority stated that “3 PKM guns and about 409 ammunitions were recovered. The terrorists retreated into Somalia.”

The Authority issued the statement the following day. PKM refers to a Soviet-designed general-purpose machine gun commonly encountered in the region.

Official Statements

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, July 20: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on July 15, 2026. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Welmaro, Somalia, approximately 100 km north of Kismayo, Somalia. AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and our citizens abroad. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.”

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, July 5: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on July 3, 2026. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Farsooley, approximately 90km west of Mogadishu. AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and our citizens abroad. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.”

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, July 6: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on July 4, 2026. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Jamame, approximately 60 km northeast of Kismayo. AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and our citizens abroad. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.”

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, July 7: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on July 5, 2026. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Juba, approximately 75km northwest of Kismayo. AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and our citizens abroad. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.”

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, July 10: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on July 8, 2026. The airstrike occurred approximately 90km northwest of Kismayo. AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and our citizens abroad. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.”

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, July 14: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on July 13, 2026. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Sablaale, approximately 190km southwest of Mogadishu. AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and our citizens abroad. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.”

• U.S. Africa Command Public Affairs, July 16: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on July 13, 2026. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Qumbi, Somalia, approximately 88 km northwest of Kismayo, Somalia. AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and our citizens abroad. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.”

• Somali Defense Ministry, July 2: “The Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF), in coordination with international partners, conducted a series of airstrikes on 1 and 2 July 2026, targeting locations occupied by Al-Shabaab terrorists in the Tawakal, Nuun Garre and Ugunji areas of Lower Shabelle. The airstrikes eliminated 27 Al-Shabaab terrorists, while dozens more were injured. The operations also destroyed vehicles, weapons, military supplies and positions used by the terrorist group to organise and carry out attacks. The Ministry of Defence expresses its appreciation to Somalia’s international partners for their continued support in combating and eliminating terrorism. The Ministry of Defence and the Command of the Somali National Armed Forces reaffirm their unwavering commitment to continuing operations targeting Al-Shabaab leaders and militants until the threat they pose to the Somali people is completely eliminated.”

• Somali Defense Ministry, July 8: “The Danab Special Forces of the Somali National Army, in coordination with the Jubbaland Security Forces, carried out an operation at dawn today against Al-Shabaab militants in the area of Baqdaad, near the district of Badhaadhe in the Lower Juba region. The operation targeted positions occupied by Al-Shabaab, resulting in the killing of two senior leaders and 14 terrorists. The troops also captured two additional Al-Shabaab leaders alive. During the operation, the forces seized weapons and military equipment that Al-Shabaab had been using to carry out attacks and terrorise civilians. The Somali National Army will continue operations to eliminate Al-Shabaab, liberate the remaining areas where the terrorist group continues to maintain a presence, and restore lasting peace and security across the country.”

• Somali Defense Ministry, July 10: “The Ministry of Defence has taken note of a video circulating on social media showing individuals wearing Somali military uniforms engaging in unacceptable conduct involving the flag of the United States. Such behaviour is inconsistent with the values, discipline and professionalism of the Somali National Army and does not reflect the views of the Ministry of Defence or the Federal Government of Somalia. The individuals concerned have been detained, and an investigation is underway to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine appropriate disciplinary and legal action. Somalia greatly values its longstanding security partnership with the United States. Our cooperation has been instrumental in the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS and in strengthening Somalia’s security institutions. The Ministry of Defence reaffirms its respect for the people and flag of the United States and for the enduring partnership between our two nations.”

• Somali Defense Ministry, July 12: “All individuals involved in the incident involving the misuse of the National Armed Forces uniform and the disrespect of the United States flag have been apprehended. A formal investigation into the incident has commenced. The Ministry of Defence makes clear that no act undermining the honour and reputation of the National Armed Forces will be tolerated.”

• Somali Defense Ministry, July 12: “The Somali National Armed Forces, in coordination with international partners, conducted airstrikes targeting locations occupied by Al-Shabaab militants in the Cadow Jilib, Gayfo and Qordheere areas of Middle Shabelle. The airstrikes eliminated 26 Al-Shabaab terrorists. The strikes also destroyed an armoured vehicle and a fuel tanker used by the terrorist group to support its movements and carry out terrorist attacks. These operations form part of the ongoing efforts of the Somali National Armed Forces to pursue Al-Shabaab leaders and militants and degrade the group’s ability to organise and carry out terrorist attacks. The Ministry of Defence expresses its appreciation to Somalia’s international partners for their continued support in combating and eliminating terrorism. The Ministry of Defence and the Command of the Somali National Armed Forces reaffirm their commitment to continuing operations targeting Al-Shabaab leaders and militants until the threat they pose to the Somali people is eliminated.”

• Somali Defense Ministry, July 13: “The Somali National Armed Forces conducted a planned special operation that eliminated senior Al-Shabaab leader Abdisalam Moallim Abukar, who was responsible for recruiting militants and collecting extortion payments from the people. Another senior Al-Shabaab leader was seriously wounded.”

• Somali National News Agency / Defense Ministry, July 13: “The Somali National Armed Forces, in coordination with international partners, conducted airstrikes targeting locations occupied by Al-Shabaab militants in the Cadow Jilib, Gayfo and Cordheere areas of Middle Shabelle. The airstrikes eliminated 26 Al-Shabaab terrorists. The strikes also destroyed an armoured vehicle and a fuel tanker used by the terrorist group to support its movements and carry out terrorist attacks. These operations form part of the ongoing efforts of the Somali National Armed Forces to pursue Al-Shabaab leaders and militants and degrade the group’s ability to organise and carry out terrorist attacks. The Ministry of Defence expresses its appreciation to Somalia’s international partners for their continued support in combating and eliminating terrorism.”

• Somali National News Agency / Defense Ministry, July 18: “The Somali National Armed Forces, in coordination with international partners, conducted a planned airstrike last night targeting Al-Shabaab positions in the Suullaay area, 17 kilometres south of Teedaan in Hiiraan region. The operation neutralised 25 Al-Shabaab terrorists and wounded 18 others. In addition, four members of the group’s fleeing remnants surrendered to the Somali National Army. The individuals are: Adam Mohamed Jimale, known within the group as Abbas, Ibrahim Adan Dahir, Adan Abshir Abdi and Nurow Aawid Ali (Amiir). This operation forms part of the ongoing offensive by the Somali National Armed Forces, supported by international partners, to degrade Al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities and pursue the group’s remaining elements in order to strengthen security and stability across the country. The Ministry of Defence expresses its appreciation to Somalia’s international partners for their continued support in the fight against terrorism.”

• Kenyan Counter Terrorism Policing Authority, July 13: “An intelligence led operation was carried out on AlShabaab makeshift camp near the Kenyan border by SOG team. The ground assault with aerial support was launched on the terrorists numbering about 30 fighters who were preparing to carry out a terror attack in one of the border villages in Mandera County. The early morning assault resulted in the elimination of 11 terrorists and serious injuries on 7 extremists. 3 PKM guns and about 409 ammunitions were recovered. The terrorists retreated into Somalia.”