Sanaag, Somalia – The United States military has confirmed conducting targeted airstrikes near Badhan, in Somalia’s northeastern Sanaag region, aimed at disrupting Al-Shabaab’s weapons supply chain.
According to a statement released by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), the operation focused on “a known Al-Shabaab arms trafficker responsible for supplying weapons to the militant group.” The strikes were carried out in close coordination with Somali security forces and intelligence agencies, underscoring ongoing joint efforts to weaken the insurgents’ operational capabilities.
“By targeting key figures responsible for arming militants, we are directly degrading Al-Shabaab’s ability to conduct attacks against Somali civilians and security forces,” AFRICOM stated.
Local sources in Badhan confirmed the presence of military activity in the area but said details on casualties and damage remain unclear. Somali officials noted that intelligence sharing between U.S. forces and Somali counterparts was critical to identifying the target.
The strike comes amid intensified Somali-led military operations against Al-Shabaab across multiple regions, supported by international partners. The militant group, affiliated with al-Qaeda, has relied heavily on weapons trafficking to sustain its insurgency, which continues to pose a major threat to Somalia’s stability.
Analysts say the move reflects Washington’s broader strategy of conducting precision strikes against high-value Al-Shabaab operatives while avoiding large-scale ground involvement. It also signals growing U.S. commitment to backing Somali government efforts as the country navigates its security transition with the phased drawdown of African Union peacekeepers.
The Somali government has yet to release an official statement, but security officials in Mogadishu privately welcomed the operation, calling it a “significant step” in cutting off Al-Shabaab’s access to arms.
The airstrikes near Badhan highlight the ongoing importance of international cooperation in Somalia’s counterterrorism campaign, as security forces work to consolidate gains in newly liberated areas and stabilize the country.