Kismaayo (Dawan Africa) – President of Jubaland, Ahmed Mohamed Islam, visited the U.S. forces serving under the U.S. Africa Command operating in Jubaland on Monday. During the visit, the President expressed his gratitude to the U.S. forces for their continued support in areas such as security, training, and operations against Al-Shabaab, as stated by the Jubaland Presidential Office.
In a statement released on July 7, 2025, the Jubaland Presidential Office noted that the President “thanked the U.S. forces for their continuous support to the Somali people, especially in the areas of security, training, and operations against the Khawarij.”
The statement also highlighted that the President of Jubaland acknowledged the critical role U.S. forces have played in successful operations that led to victories against the Al-Shabaab group in Jubaland.
To recognize their efforts, the President of Jubaland officially presented the U.S. forces with the Medal of Honor and a Certificate of Appreciation.
These U.S. forces are part of U.S. Africa Command, responsible for military operations and relations across the African continent, including Somalia. While U.S. Africa Command does not have a specific base in Kismaayo, they work closely with the U.S. forces stationed in various locations across Somalia, including Baledogle and Mogadishu, as well as the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) and Somali National Army (SNA) forces.
In Kismaayo, located in the Lower Jubba region of Somalia, U.S. forces, especially special operations forces, have been involved in counterterrorism operations alongside Jubaland, Somali National Army forces, and African Union forces in the region. U.S. forces have also conducted airstrikes and provided training and logistical support in key strategic areas, including Kismaayo.
