Al-Shabaab launched multiple artillery rounds at the airfield in Kismayo city on Thursday evening, aiming at facilities occupied by American troops. Image: Shabelle Media Network.
(The Post News)– On Thursday night, Al-Shabaab fired several artillery shells at a US military installation on the outskirts of Kismayo, Somalia. The armed group aimed at bases used by American forces operating in the region.
The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the nighttime barrage hit a newly built military compound, but fortunately, no casualties or damage to the infrastructure occurred.
In a statement shared via social media, AFRICOM said, “A direct attack targeted a base near Kismayo. No injuries affected US personnel or assets, and the facility sustained no damage.” Counterterrorism intelligence sources released a photograph after the strike that showed visible damage to the airport runway.
Al-Shabaab Claims Attack Was Retaliation
Al-Shabaab stated that the assault was in retaliation for “the ongoing massacre in Palestine, particularly in the Gaza Strip.” The attack follows the recent arrival of AFRICOM’s new commander in Mogadishu, who met with President Hassan Sheikh to discuss intensifying operations against Al-Shabaab.
In 2025, AFRICOM, working alongside Somali government forces, carried out at least 73 airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants in the Al-Calmiskaad Mountains, where Puntland administration forces have been engaging in combat since December 2024.
Additionally, on August 23, AFRICOM announced it had concluded a two-week joint campaign with Somalia’s Federal Government focused on dismantling ISIS leadership strongholds.
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