According to AFRICOM, the operation was executed “in the vicinity of Bariire” in support of the Federal Government of Somalia’s military campaign. It follows repeated clashes with Al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked group that continues to stage deadly attacks across the country. U.S. forces have maintained a limited but targeted presence in Somalia, conducting drone and air strikes in support of Somali and African Union troops.

Earlier this week, Al-Shabaab claimed responsibility for an assault in the same region that allegedly killed 20 Ugandan soldiers under the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS). The claim has not been independently verified. The group also claimed to have destroyed several military vehicles during the attack.

AFRICOM reiterated its partnership with Somali security forces and emphasized the strategic importance of supporting Somalia in its fight against terrorism. “We remain committed to our Somali partners in degrading terrorist capabilities and supporting long-term stability,” the command said in its statement.

The United States has conducted dozens of such strikes in Somalia in recent years, often in coordination with Somali operations against Al-Shabaab strongholds in the southern and central regions.