While global headlines focus on conflicts in Europe and the Middle East, another war is unfolding with little public attention. In Somalia, U.S. forces have sharply increased airstrikes against extremist groups in 2025, signaling Washington’s growing concern over the region’s role in global terrorism.
So far this year, American military forces have conducted at least 32 airstrikes across Somalia—more than double the number recorded last year.
These operations, led by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), have primarily targeted fighters linked to ISIS-Somalia and the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab.
The spike in activity reflects both a tactical shift and a strategic warning. Between February and early June, 20 airstrikes were aimed at ISIS-linked militants, while 12 others struck al-Shabab targets.
April and May alone accounted for more than half of the total strikes, suggesting an intensifying effort to weaken extremist holdouts before they expand further across the region.
These strikes are largely focused near the coastal town of Bosaso and around Kismayo, near the Kenyan border—zones known for militant activity and smuggling routes. Yet, despite the scale of the campaign, public awareness in the U.S. remains minimal.
Few details have been shared about casualties or the long-term impact, creating a war that is unfolding quietly, out of sight and largely out of mind for most Americans.
Top military officials have pointed to Somalia as a key hub for global jihadist operations. With ISIS reportedly managing parts of its international network from within Somalia, the region has become a base for extremist financing, training, and propaganda.
This campaign comes as broader instability spreads across Africa. In the Sahel, the exit of U.S. forces from Niger and the withdrawal of France from other West African states have left power vacuums.
Armed groups have taken advantage, growing stronger amid weak governance and worsening climate conditions.
Meanwhile, Russia is extending its footprint across the continent, using private military networks to build influence in areas where Western powers are retreating.
The Horn of Africa has become a central battleground in a quiet global struggle. With Somalia now playing a larger role in extremist operations, the U.S. appears committed to stopping the spread
