By Shire Abdi - Reporter
Somalia, 2 July 2026 – The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said it increased military strikes in Somalia this year to pressure ISIS and Al Shabaab as Somali forces intensified operations.
AFRICOM Commander General Michael Anderson made the remarks during a virtual media briefing with African journalists on Thursday. He was responding to a question from Dawan Media on whether the sharp rise in strikes this year reflects a worsening threat environment or a shift in military strategy.
General Anderson said the rise in operations in 2026 reflects both continued militant activity and stronger operational momentum by Somali forces on the ground.
He said partner forces in northern Somalia, particularly in Puntland, had pushed ISIS leadership into confined areas.
The AFRICOM Commander said the militants are now restricted to small zones, with limited mobility, disrupted supply routes and reduced communication capacity.
According to Anderson, sustained pressure by Somali forces has created more opportunities for targeted strikes by AFRICOM.
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He said U.S. support has included intelligence-sharing, surveillance, logistical support and precision strikes carried out in coordination with Somali partner forces when targets emerge.
“It is a combined effort,” Anderson said, referring to joint operations between Somali forces and AFRICOM.
He added that similar cooperation has continued in other parts of Somalia where Al Shabaab remains active, with AFRICOM supporting operations through intelligence, surveillance and targeted strikes.
AFRICOM has carried out dozens of strikes in Somalia this year, targeting both ISIS and Al Shabaab as part of broader counterterrorism efforts.
Somalia continues to face security threats from Al Shabaab, which has waged an insurgency against the federal government for more than 15 years, as well as from ISIS-linked militants operating mainly in Puntland.
Anderson said sustained pressure on militant groups is intended to build momentum and strengthen Somali-led efforts to degrade extremist networks across the country.