U.S. Africa Command Conducts Strike against ISIS in Nigeria

Source: United States AFRICOM

At the direction of the President of the United States and the Secretary of War, and in coordination with Nigerian authorities, U.S. Africa Command conducted strikes against ISIS terrorists in Nigeria on Dec. 25, 2025, in Sokoto State.

The command’s initial assessment is that multiple ISIS terrorists were killed in the ISIS camps.

“U.S. Africa Command is working with Nigerian and regional partners to increase counterterrorism cooperation efforts related to on-going violence and threats against innocent lives,” said Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander, U.S. Africa Command. “Our goal is to protect Americans and to disrupt violent extremist organizations wherever they are.”

U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of the operation and will provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about the operation will not be released in order to ensure operational security.”

U.S. Forces Conducts Strikes Targeting ISIS-Somalia

Source: United States AFRICOM

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia on Dec. 22, 2025.

The airstrikes occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 88 km southeast of Bossaso.

AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia’s ability to threaten the U.S. Homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad.

Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

New press release

Source: United States AFRICOM

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike targeting al Shabaab on Dec. 17, 2025.

The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Araare, Somalia, approximately 50 km northeast of Kismayo.

AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al-Shabaab’s ability to threaten the U.S. Homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad.

Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

U.S. Africa Command Commander Visits Morocco, Underscores Enduring Partnership

Source: United States AFRICOM

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Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander, U.S. Africa Command, visited Morocco Oct. 20-21, highlighting the longstanding and deep partnership between the United States and the Kingdom of Morocco.

This visit, which underscored the strategic importance of Morocco and shared interests on the continent, followed Anderson’s recent assumption of command and provided an opportunity to engage directly with key partners early in his tenure.

During the visit, Anderson engaged with senior Moroccan defense officials, including Minister Delegate to the Head of Government in charge of National Defense Administration Abdellatif Loudiyi and Inspector General of the Moroccan Royal Armed Forces Gen. Mohammed Berrid. Discussions focused on the deep history of military cooperation and the strong bond shared between the two nations through mutual support and proactive cooperation on security and prosperity.

Anderson also toured Ben Guerir Air Base, focusing on the African Partner Flight Training area and the F-16 training area. He received a briefing on the Airborne, Special Operations Forces (SOF) and Infantry Tactics Training Area for African partners. The upgraded air base has become a focal point for multinational exercises like African Lion, demonstrating the versatility of the U.S.-Morocco partnership.

“We understand that the needs of both of our nations are constantly evolving,” said Anderson. “Therefore, we maintain an open dialogue with Moroccan leadership to continually reassess our mutual interests and ensure our partnership remains aligned and mutually beneficial.”

Anderson emphasized the enduring nature of the U.S.-Morocco relationship and the commitment of U.S. Africa Command to working closely with Moroccan partners to address shared security challenges and promote stability and prosperity in the region.

Key areas of discussion included:

• Longstanding Partnership: A testament to enduring friendship and mutual support, setting the stage for future collaboration across diverse domains.

• Long History of Military Cooperation: Building upon centuries of collaboration and reaffirming commitment to continued partnership.

• Shared Security and Prosperity: Recognizing the mutual benefits derived from proactive cooperation and support in promoting regional stability.

These discussions serve to strengthen existing cooperation and explore new avenues for collaboration in addressing evolving security threats, supporting regional stability, and promoting economic prosperity.

“The United States and Morocco share a partnership built on trust, mutual respect, and a long history of cooperation,” said Benjamin Ziff, Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Rabat. “General Anderson’s visit reaffirms our continuing commitment to work hand in hand with our Moroccan partners to advance regional stability, security, and prosperity.”

The visit underscores the importance the United States places on its relationship with Morocco, a trusted partner in Africa.

U.S., Adriatic Charter military leaders discuss regional security

Source: United States EUROPEAN COMMAND

TIRANA, Albania  –  U.S. Air Force Gen. Alexus Grynkewich, commander of U.S. European Command and Supreme Allied Commander Europe, co-chaired the 2025 U.S.-Adriatic Charter (A5) Chiefs of Defense Conference alongside Lt. Gen. Arben Kingji, chief of the Albanian Armed Forces General Staff, and Lt. Gen. Gojko Knezevic, Chief of the Joint Staff of the Armed Forces of Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Tirana, Albania, Sept. 16-18, 2025.

The event included Chiefs of Defense from the Adriatic Charter nations of Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and North Macedonia, along with observer nations.

Regularly hosted by Allies and partners throughout Europe, Chiefs of Defense conferences are a key component of USEUCOM’s comprehensive approach to regional security. Through continuous engagement, USEUCOM and its Allies and partners foster enduring relationships and strengthen cooperation among nations.

In comments at the event, Grynkewich expressed optimism for the regional commitment to defense burden sharing, cooperation and stability.

“As our nations each increase defense spending and make great steps in military modernization, we have to work together to ensure the investment turns into real capability,” Grynkewich said. “This requires sustained focus on enhancing interoperability, building readiness, and developing support arrangements. After listening to all the positive conversations today, I’m confident we can attain these goals.”

During the conference, military leaders from the Adriatic Charter nations and observer states discussed stability and cooperation through civil-military synergy and regional dialogue in the western Balkans and reaffirmed their commitment to regional cooperation.  

“In addition to supporting and achieving the Euro-Atlantic integration process, this initiative has contributed to the development of member countries’ defense capabilities, increasing regional stability, and strengthening the Alliance’s collective defense,” said Kingji.

Leaders also stressed the importance of trust and shared responsibility for security in the region.

“When we speak about regional mechanisms, such as the A5 initiative, we are speaking of something much more important than logistics and operational procedures. We are speaking of solidarity,” Knezevic said. “We are speaking of building trust among neighbors. We are speaking of a readiness to share responsibility for the security of the region.”

Additional attendees included senior leaders from each of the charter and observer nations’ U.S. National Guard State Partnership Program states, including Colorado, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, and Vermont.

Grynkewich is also scheduled to meet with Albanian heads of state during the event, including President Bajram Begaj, Prime Minister Edi Rama and Defense Minister Pirro Vengu, to further Albania’s partnership and security cooperation efforts with the U.S. and NATO.

Gen. Dagvin Anderson Marks First Visit to Libya; Stresses Unity and Peace Among Leaders

Source: United States AFRICOM

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In his first visit to Libya, Gen. Dagvin Anderson, Commander of U.S. Africa Command, engaged with leaders from both the west and east during a two-day trip to Tripoli and Benghazi. This visit underscored the United States’ commitment to supporting ongoing Libyan efforts to overcome divisions and achieve national unity and lasting peace.

During his visit, Gen. Anderson met with Libyan Prime Minister and Acting Defense Minister Abdulhamid Dabaiba, Deputy Defense Minister Abdulsalam Zubi and Chief of Staff General Mohammed Haddad from the west, and LNA Commander, Field Marshal Khalifa Haftar and LNA Deputy Gen. Saddam Haftar from the east, where he emphasized the importance of dialogue and cooperation among Libyan leaders throughout the country. Gen. Anderson also stressed that unity is essential to achieve a peaceful and prosperous Libya.

This was my first visit to Libya as commander.  It was important for me to meet the key leaders from the west and the east and to encourage all sides to have an open dialogue and to work together towards lasting peace and security,” said Anderson. “We are looking forward to strengthening relationships and building capacity to help Libyans pave their own way towards stability and prosperity.”

The U.S. continues to support a Libyan-led political process. Increased security and economic integration are also essential to ensuring Libya’s sovereignty and long-term prosperity and will complement and strengthen the political process.

Gen. Anderson’s engagements addressed security concerns and the need for collaborative efforts to combat terrorism and organized crime, which threaten the stability of Libya and the wider region.

“In the coming months, Libyans from the east and west will work together in preparation for one of AFRICOM’s major exercises, Flintlock 2026, with participants from across Africa and Europe. For the first time, Libya will host part of the exercise, and this combined effort will further the integration of Libyan military institutions.” said Anderson.

By fostering relationships built on trust and mutual respect, the United States hopes to facilitate a unified approach to these challenges, paving the way for a safer and more secure Libya.

“I was very pleased to join Gen. Anderson on his important visit to Tripoli and Benghazi. AFRICOM has been an incredible partner for our embassy, as we work together to advance U.S. objectives in Libya and support the Libyan people in their pursuit of unity and lasting peace. Our Libyan partners from throughout the country greatly value AFRICOM’s role, unique capabilities, and history of supporting Libyan counterterrorism efforts,” said Chargé d’Affaires Jeremy Berndt, U.S. Embassy to Libya. “With this visit, Gen. Anderson bolstered our relationships with those partners, and his leadership and continued engagement will help us support Libyan efforts to unify military and security institutions, an essential step for peace and stability.”

U.S. Africa Command is one of seven U.S. Department of Defense geographic combatant commands. The command is responsible for all U.S. military operations, exercises, security cooperation, and conducts crisis response on the African continent in order to advance U.S. interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.

For more information, visit our website, Facebook and Twitter pages, or contact U.S. Africa Command Media Relations at africom-pao-media@mail.mil.

AFRICOM Support Leads to Cocaine Seizure

Source: United States AFRICOM

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U.S. Africa Command support to the French Navy led to the seizure of almost 10 tons of cocaine on Sept. 22. 2025.

The seizure occurred in the Gulf of Guinea off the West Coast of Africa. AFRICOM, alongside U.S. government agencies, allies and partners, plays a critical role in the interdiction of illegal drugs in Africa which is a key transit point in the global trafficking of drugs and other illicit goods. This effort denies revenue to drug cartels, to include those recently designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations, who are responsible for drug smuggling into the United States.

U.S. Africa Command, one of 11 U.S. Department of Defense combatant commands with an area of responsibility covering 53 African states, more than 800 ethnic groups, over 1,000 languages, vast natural resources, a land mass that is three-and-a-half times the size of the U.S., and nearly 19,000 miles of coastland. Working alongside its partners, AFRICOM counters transnational threats and malign actors, strengthens security forces and responds to crises.

U.S. Africa Command Commander Visits West Africa, Underscores Partnership in Addressing Evolving Terrorism Threat

Source: United States AFRICOM

General Dagvin Anderson conducted a visit to Benin and Cameroon September 16-20, 2025, his first visit to the region as Commander, U.S. Africa Command. The trip highlighted the strong and enduring security partnerships between the United States and these key West African nations.

In Benin, Anderson met with President Patrice Talon; Minister of Defense, Dr. Alain Fortunet Nauatin; Chief of Defense Staff, Major General Fructueux Gbaguidi; and U.S. Ambassador to Benin Brian Shukan. In Cameroon, Anderson met with President Paul Biya; Minister of Defense Joseph Beti Assomo; Brigadier General Donatien Melingui Nouma, Inspector in charge of Forces at the Defense Head Quarters; and U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon Christopher John Lamora.

Discussions focused on strengthening collaboration in addressing shared security challenges, particularly the migrating terrorism threats that have made Africa now the global epicenter of this evolving danger. The Coastal West African nations expressed concerns about Sahel-based threats and a desire to enhance partnerships with American forces.

“These engagements were invaluable opportunities to reinforce our commitment to our partners in West Africa,” said Anderson. “The terrorist threat has evolved, requiring increased vigilance and coordinated action. Partnerships and coordination in West Africa remain key to countering the escalating terrorism in the region. Without partnering to address terrorism, Africa becomes the next 9/11 source. We are here to strategically support efforts that strengthen and enable our African partners’ operational independence.”

Key topics discussed during the visit included:  

*   Counter Terrorism: Exploring collaborative strategies to combat the evolving threat of terrorist organizations, working to degrade and disrupt threats, and enhancing regional cooperation in counterterrorism efforts.

*   Maritime security: Identifying opportunities to enhance maritime domain awareness, combat piracy and illegal fishing, and secure vital waterways, thereby preventing exploitation by illicit actors.

*   Security force assistance: Discussing ways to further develop security force assistance programs, including professional military education and training, to enhance the capabilities of partner militaries. The U.S. military continues to support regional partners in the Sahel and West Africa through security cooperation training, equipment transfers, institutional capacity building, and support for security sector governance.

*   Regional stability and interoperability: Promoting regional cooperation and interoperability to address shared security challenges.  

Anderson reiterated the U.S. commitment to supporting regional-led solutions to regional security challenges. He reaffirmed that U.S. Africa Command will continue to work closely with its African partners to promote security, stability, and prosperity in the region. 

The visit builds upon the strong foundation of existing partnerships and reinforces U.S. Africa Command’s dedication to supporting African partners in addressing their security challenges.

 

U.S. and Partner Forces Respond to Indirect Fire Near Kismayo, Somalia

Source: United States AFRICOM

U.S. forces and African partner forces were targeted by indirect fire in the vicinity of Kismayo, Somalia on Sept. 4.

Initial assessments indicate no U.S. or partner force injuries or casualties as a result of the attack. No damage to the base or coalition property has been reported.

U.S. forces continue to work closely with our African partners to degrade terrorist threats and promote regional security.

Al-Shabaab routinely disseminates false and exaggerated claims regarding attacks to undermine public trust. These claims should be treated with skepticism.

AFRICOM,  alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al Shabaab’s ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad. 

AFRICOM Commander Assesses East in First African Trip

Source: United States AFRICOM

U.S. Africa Command’s new commander, Gen. Dagvin Anderson, visited East Africa this week to meet with political and defense leaders and U.S. embassy country teams and to engage with U.S. servicemembers stationed there.

Anderson traveled to Djibouti City and Camp Lemmonier, Djibouti; Mogadishu, Somalia; and Nairobi, Kenya, Aug. 31 to Sept. 3.

In Djibouti, Anderson met with Djiboutian Minister of Defense Hassan Omar Mohamed and Chief of Defense General Zakaria Cheik Ibrahim to discuss key security issues, including the threat posed by terrorist groups in Somalia and Yemen. They also shared their vision for a safe and secure Horn of Africa and emphasized the importance of the enduring U.S.-Djibouti security partnership. 

“My job is to provide for the safety and security of the American people,” Anderson stated. “Part of that is working with our partners when we have a common threat, to address that and protect all our homelands.”

During his engagements in Mogadishu, Gen. Anderson met with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, U.S. Ambassador to Somalia Jonathan Riley, and senior Somali security officials at the Joint Operations Coordination Center. 

“I came to East Africa first because of the importance of this region, it sits at the crossroads of the world,” Anderson said. “There are incredible opportunities [and] incredible challenges here and you know them well. We have terrorist threats from al Shabaab, which is an al Qaeda affiliate who is cooperating with the Houthis. [And we] have ISIS up in the north – not just in the Golis Mountains, but [they’re] spreading across Africa.”

He also met with Ambassador El Hadji Ibrahima Diene, the Special Representative of the Chairperson of the African Union Commission (SRCC) for Somalia and Head of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia-AUSSOM, along with AUSSOM troop-contributing nation leaders.

Gen. Anderson highlighted how AFRICOM’s support efforts in enabling partner operational independence and shared goals of a secure and prosperous Somalia are essential to success in defeating terrorism. And he recognized that while the United States provides a wide range of support to Somalia and AUSSOM, it is African troops who are taking the fight to the enemy.

“We share a common threat [that] we need to enable all the partners, the African partners to address ,” Anderson said. “Recently in the Golis Mountains, where ISIS is, we worked with our partners in Puntland to provide intelligence targeting and selected air strikes. [Alongside this] we enabled the partner who had the will to go up into those mountains, go after the terrorists, and hold territory so they couldn’t come back. When we can find common ground, we can have success together, and we can enable African partners to protect and provide security for their people.”

In Kenya, the general met with President William Ruto and Chief of the Kenyan Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri, and visited Manda Bay where American servicemembers are stationed as part of a partnership with the Kenyan military to enhance regional security and support counterterrorism efforts in East Africa.

AFRICOM’s mission remains focused on working with African and international partners to counter transnational threats, strengthen security forces, and respond to crises in order to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional stability and prosperity.