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Tag: US Africa Command

  • U.S. Africa Command Strike Kills Three al-Shabaab in Somalia

    U.S. Africa Command Strike Kills Three al-Shabaab in Somalia

    In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AfriCom) conducted two airstrikes in Somalia on Jan. 1, 2021.

    According to a statement by AfriCom, both strikes targeted al-Shabaab compounds in the vicinity of Qunyo Barrow, Somalia. Current assessments indicate the strikes killed three and wounded one al-Shabaab members and destroyed six and damaged one al-Shabaab compound buildings.

    The command’s initial assessment is that no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this operation. We take significant measures to comply with the principles of the Law of Armed Conflict during the course of our operations while we continue to disrupt and apply pressure to the al-Shabaab terrorist network.

    “This action clearly demonstrates our continuing commitment to Somalia and our regional partners,” said U.S. Army Maj. Gen. Joel Tyler, director of operations for U.S. Africa Command. “We retain the means and the will to strike the al-Shabaab terrorist network when necessary to protect the region and ultimately, our own nation.”

    U.S. Africa Command and its international partners recognize the importance of stability in Somalia. Violent extremist organizations like al-Shabaab present long-term threats to U.S. and regional security interests.

    “Al-Shabaab remains a threat to Somalia’s future and U.S. interests, and we will continue to disrupt their efforts to terrorize innocents,” said U.S. Air Force Maj. Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Joint Task Force-Quartz commander. “Our strikes help keep these terrorists off balance to help our partners then address deeper problems such as governance and development.”

    U.S. Africa Command remains committed to working with East African countries to help provide political, economic, and physical stability in the region and to work with international and African partners to achieve long-term security goals in Somalia for the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.

    See video of the mission strike posted at: https://go.usa.gov/xA9ZV

  • U.S-Backed Somalia Government truck Al-Shabaab Compound

    U.S-Backed Somalia Government truck Al-Shabaab Compound

    In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AfriCom) conducted one (1) airstrike targeting an al-Shabaab compound in the vicinity of Saakow, Somalia, Dec. 24.

    In a statement, AfriCom confirmed the initial assessment concluded the strike damaged the compound and several al-Shabaab fighters fled, thwarting nefarious activity.

    The command currently assesses no civilians were injured or killed as a result of this operation. Efforts to disrupt enemy operations, as well as monitor and apply pressure to the al-Shabaab network continue.

    “U.S. Africa Command continues to maintain a sharp focus on East African threats,” said U.S. Navy Rear Admiral Heidi Berg, U.S. Africa Command director of intelligence. “Al-Shabaab seeks to not only destroy governance and security in Somalia, but target innocent civilians in Kenya and elsewhere. We will continue to monitor and maintain pressure to the network.”

    U.S. Africa Command and its international partners recognize the importance of stability in Somalia. Security is one critical stabilizing pillar alongside governance and economic opportunity.

    U.S. Africa Command remains committed to working with East African countries to help provide political, economic, and physical stability in the region.

    U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with international and African partners to ensure long-term security in Somalia to the Federal Government of Somalia and its Member States.

  • President Trump directs US Africa Command to relocate from Germany

    President Trump directs US Africa Command to relocate from Germany

    The United States says efforts are now underway to develop plans and options to relocate U.S. Africa Command headquarters and forces from Germany.

    This was contained in a statement by the command on Friday, stating that the relocation is in response to President Donald Trump’s direction.

    As part of the U.S. European Command Review, the Secretary of Defense, Mark Esper, publicly announced plans to make U.S. force adjustments within the European area of operations during a press briefing in Washington D.C., July 29.

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    The change in force posture is designed to support the National Defense and Security strategies, adapt to changing global strategic environment, and best address global priorities.

    However, while it is not certain where the command will move to, the command stated that it will look first at options elsewhere in Europe, but also will consider options in the United States.

    “U.S. Africa Command has been told to plan to move. While it will likely take several months to develop options, consider locations, and come to a decision, the command has started the process. We will ensure we continue to support our host nation and African partners and our families and forces throughout,” said U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander, U.S. Africa Command.

    The command stood up in 2008 to protect and advance U.S. national interests in Africa and develop capable, professional partner nation military forces there and has been headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany since its inception.

    “It is important our African partners understand our commitment to them remains strong,” said Townsend. “U.S. Africa Command will continue to work with our African and other partners to address mutual interests.”

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    Continued cooperation with German partners remains critical to solving complex international challenges.

    “We are very grateful to Germany for their partnership and serving as host to Headquarters U.S. Africa Command. International cooperation remains important to addressing mutual security challenges, especially in Africa,” said Townsend.

    Potential options will be assessed to ensure appropriate positioning of forces to deal with future challenges.

    The Department of Defense remains the lead for overseas force adjustment decisions and the global combatant command review.

    “We remain committed to our forces and families,” said Townsend. “We will conduct a deliberate and thorough planning process to ensure our team is prepared for what lies ahead.”

    Tobiloba Kolawole