AFRICOM Conducts Targeted Airstrikes Against al-Shabaab in Middle Shabelle

 AFRICOM Conducts Targeted Airstrikes Against al-Shabaab in Middle Shabelle

On December 18, 2025, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) carried out precision airstrikes against al-Shabaab militants in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region. The strikes specifically targeted positions near Nur Dugle, approximately 215 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu, marking a significant escalation in joint operations between international and Somali forces.

According to AFRICOM, the operation was conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Armed Forces. The goal of these actions is to diminish al-Shabaab’s capacity to threaten the U.S., its forces, and citizens abroad. “We continue to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens overseas,” AFRICOM stated.

The airstrikes came just hours after al-Shabaab fighters launched attacks against government troops and allied local militias in the area. The clashes quickly intensified, with reports of heavy exchanges of fire and the use of both light and heavy weaponry by both sides. Residents described hearing explosions and gunfire from distances far beyond the immediate conflict zones, highlighting the scale of the confrontation.

Although official casualty figures have yet to be released, preliminary reports indicate that the fighting resulted in deaths and injuries on both sides. Local witnesses confirmed that the engagement lasted for several hours, causing widespread alarm among nearby communities.

Military analysts note that operations like these are part of a broader strategy to weaken al-Shabaab’s operational capabilities and disrupt their strongholds across Somalia. Such coordinated actions between U.S. forces and Somali troops demonstrate a commitment to stabilizing the region and supporting local governance structures.

As the situation develops, authorities are expected to provide more detailed information regarding the outcomes of the airstrikes. Meanwhile, residents in Middle Shabelle continue to face security challenges, underlining the ongoing volatility in areas affected by militant activity.