U.S. Africa Command Conducts Airstrike Targeting al-Shabaab Near Leego, Somalia

SOMALIA — On November 14, U.S. Africa Command announced that it conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on November 12 in the vicinity of Leego, Somalia, approximately 71 miles (114 km) northwest of Mogadishu, in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia.

The command said it continues to take action alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten U.S. forces and U.S. citizens abroad. It released no details on units, assets, or results of the strike, citing operations security.

Locations Affected, Strike Details

• The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Leego, a town in Somalia’s Lower Shabelle region, approximately 71 miles (114 km) northwest of Mogadishu.

• Leego lies at approximately 2.72, 44.50. The location is a known area of al-Shabaab activity along routes connecting Lower Shabelle to inland districts. No precise impact coordinates were published by U.S. Africa Command.

Official Statements

• U.S. Africa Command, November 14: “In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al-Shabaab on Nov. 12, 2026. The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Leego, Somalia, approximately 114 km northwest 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.”

• Somali Ministry of Defence, November 12: “Press Release Lego: 12 - NOVEMBER - 2026: Somali National Armed Forces (SNAF) troops conducting pursuit operations in the areas between Leego and Lidow Jalaat in the Lower Shabelle region engaged in heavy fighting today with militants belonging to the Al-Shabaab terrorist group.”