Category: Africa

Source: United States AFRICOM

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against multiple ISIS-Somalia targets on March 29, 2025.

The airstrike occurred Southeast of Bosasso, Puntland, in Northeastern Somalia.

AFRICOM’s initial assessment is that multiple ISIS-Somalia operatives were killed and no civilians were harmed.

ISIS-Somalia has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. and partner forces. This group’s malicious efforts threaten U.S. security interests.

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

Specific details about the operation will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

Source: United States AFRICOM

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In a significant joint operation, the French Navy seized over six tons of cocaine from a fishing vessel in the Gulf of Guinea on Saturday, March 15. The operation, which highlights the effective collaboration among the French Navy, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) underscores ongoing efforts to combat transnational organized crime in the region. Information was coordinated and deconflicted by the Maritime Analysis Operations Center Narcotics (MAOC-N) in Lisbon, Portugal.

The French Navy, while conducting routine patrols as part of Operation Corymbe, intercepted a fishing vessel approximately twenty meters long, flagged in Guyana. The operation resulted in the confiscation of 6,386 kg of cocaine with an estimated market value of nearly €371 million. The seized narcotics were subsequently transferred to the French naval ship for destruction in accordance with directives from the Brest prosecutor’s office.

“This remarkable seizure underscores the collaborative efforts among international partners to combat drug trafficking and enhance maritime security,” said U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Brennan, U.S. Africa Command deputy commander. “The steadfast commitment of our allies, including the French Navy and other U.S. agencies, reflects our collective determination to safeguard our borders and disrupt the operations of organized crime syndicates.”

The maritime prefecture noted that the operation demonstrates the effectiveness of French naval actions in safeguarding external borders and tackling organized crime. The six individuals found aboard the vessel comprised a Colombian, a Dominican, and four citizens of Guyana, all of whom were arrest-ed during the operation.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Government of Guyana expressed its support for the French operation, affirming its commitment to international cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking and other forms of transnational crime. The statement also confirmed that authorization had been granted for the French forces to board the vessel.

This successful mission not only signifies a significant blow to drug trafficking networks but also rein-forces the importance of international collaboration in enhancing regional security across the Gulf of Guinea. U.S. Africa Command remains dedicated to supporting such initiatives and fostering partner-ships aimed at stabilizing the region.

Source: United States AFRICOM

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted multiple airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on March 25, 2025.

The airstrikes occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, Somalia

The command’s initial assessment is that multiple ISIS-Somalia operatives were killed and no civilians were harmed. 

ISIS-Somalia has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. and partner forces. This group’s malicious efforts threaten U.S. security interests.

U.S. Africa Command, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia’s ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our civilians abroad. 

 Specific details about the operation will not be released in order to ensure continued operations security.

 

Source: United States AFRICOM

The U.S. European Command (EUCOM) and Belgian Ministry of Defence, in partnership with U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) and U.S. Indo Pacific Command (INDOPACOM) Chaplain Directorates, hosted the world’s largest annual meeting of senior military religious leaders at the 36th Annual NATO & Partner International Military Chiefs of Chaplains Conference (IMCCC) in Brussels, Belgium, January 27-31, 2025.

Over 200 military chaplains, academic experts, and special guests participated, representing 43 nations and more than 30 religious denominations. This year’s gathering included a special Africa Summit hosted by AFRICOM, highlighting the role of chaplains in fostering regional stability through spiritual and ethical leadership. Delegates divided into working groups to share information, identify training needs and areas cooperation, and update their future engagement plans.

“This conference has not only strengthened our bonds across nations but has also underscored the indispensable role of chaplains in modern military operations, particularly in fostering resilience and ethical leadership in Africa and beyond.” said Major General Kenneth Ekman, DOD West Africa Coordination Lead, AFRICOM.

 AFRICOM’s Command Chaplain, U.S. Army Chaplain Colonel Karen Meeker said, “Our engagement at the IMCCC and the Africa Forum is crucial for developing a comprehensive approach to chaplaincy that resonates with the unique cultural and spiritual landscapes of Africa, ensuring our chaplains are well-prepared to support our service members and their families.”

Experts from the United Nations, European Union, NATO, Belgium Armed Forces and other organizations briefed attendees on topics such as conflict resolution, interoperability and the importance of interworld view dialogue for achieving peace. Delegates collaborated to identify areas of cooperation and update their future engagement plans.

EUCOM Command Chaplain, Colonel Christopher LaPack, shared, “First, I want to sincerely thank EUCOM’s co-hosts for this year’s IMCCC. The Belgian Planning Team, led by Chief Chaplain Hans De Cuester, provided a world-class forum for what turned out to be the biggest-ever IMCCC. I have no doubt that the engagements that took place this week will improve future interoperability amongst our chaplaincies. The change in security environment and NATO’s military posture in response to Russian aggression in the region means that our nations’ warfighters are more integrated than ever before. Military chaplains must be properly trained and ready to respond to the religious and spiritual needs of military personnel serving in multinational formations.”

The Africa Forum agenda also highlighted the role of chaplains in the DoD State Partnership Program (SPP), which partners National Guard forces from the United States with militaries around the world. Chaplain General Henry Matifeyo, Zambian Ministry of Defence said, “The discussions here, especially the tri-lateral meetings, have opened new avenues for cooperation. We are keen on building a network that not only strengthens our chaplaincy but also addresses critical issues like PTSD and moral injury through a multi-disciplinary lens.”

The IMCCC began in 1990 when the USEUCOM chaplain’s office convened twelve senior NATO military chaplains in order to provide a forum for dialogue to enhance interoperability among NATO chaplaincies, facilitate mutual support, and ensure professional pastoral care is available to all Allied Forces during combat or crisis circumstances. Over time, its scope has expanded to enhance religious affairs interoperability, strengthen international relations, support warfighter and family resilience, improve spiritual advisement for commanders, and promote religious freedom. The IMCCC 2025 has grown into a forum that includes not just European military religious leaders but also leaders from Africa, Asia and North America to share ideas and practices that support the collective security mission on a global scale. This year’s focus on Africa was a step forward in recognizing and addressing the unique needs of this diverse continent.

List of national chaplaincies that participated in the 2025 conference: Armenia, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Burkina Faso, Botswana, Canada, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Eswatini, Finland, France, Gabon, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Italy, Kenya, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Malawi, , Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, Poland, Serbia, , Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, , Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States, and Zambia.

Source: United States AFRICOM

Morocco marked its initial purchase of AH-64E Apache helicopters in a ceremony at Sale Air Base near Rabat, March 5, 2025.

The sale marks a significant step in improving the capabilities of the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) as well as supporting the foreign policy and national security of the United States.

“By purchasing these Apache helicopters, Morocco has made a significant step in investing in their security and in regional security. This investment now puts them in a new level of warfighting capability,” said Gen. Michael Langley, U.S. Africa Command Commander, who was present at the ceremony.  

The aircraft arrived in Morocco late last month from the U.S. as part of a Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) initiative announced in 2020. 

“The United States and Morocco have a long history of partnership reaching back nearly 250 years when Morocco was the first to recognize U.S. independence,” explained U.S. Charge d’Affaires Aimee Cutrona.   “Today, we are witnessing the steady and consistent growth of the longstanding U.S.-Morocco security cooperation that continues to advance our interests in the region and the world.”

The AH-64E, first developed in 2012, is enhanced from previous models and brings increased capabilities that feature improved digital connectivity, more powerful engines, capability to control unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), full IFR capability, and improved landing gear. It can reach speeds of 150 knots (278 km/hr) with a range of over 450 km. 

“The Apache helicopter, especially this model, brings advanced weaponry in reconnaissance and attack, enabling the Royal Moroccan Air Force (RMAF) to better secure their borders to deter and defeat terrorism in the region,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. James Anderson, Chief of the Office of Security Cooperation, Rabat.

The Utah Army National Guard (UTNG) also maintains a unique partnership with Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces through the Department of Defense’ State Partnership Program (SPP). This involves extensive training and relationship building that has led to deeper ties between the FAR and the Utah National Guard (UNG) at all levels, and it has encouraged even greater overall security cooperation between our two countries.

“The UTNG flies Apache helicopters and we’re looking forward to taking advantage of more training opportunities together,” said Maj. Jared Sorensen, Bilateral Affairs Officer and the UTNG representative in the Office of Security Cooperation, Rabat, “being able to fly and train together here will sharpen our skills and make us a more lethal force.”

 So far 24 RMAF pilots have received training in the U.S. and are qualified helicopter pilots together with five instructor pilots with three more expected soon. The pilots will undergo specific aircraft type training with the expectation that the entire squadron will be fully operational within the next six months.

“These aircraft give the Royal Moroccan Air Force a lethal tool that will enable them to further our mutual security goals in the region,” said Langley. “Morocco is a critical partner for us and major non-NATO ally. Their leadership and dedication to furthering security and stability in the region shows daily how valuable this partnership is to both the people of Morocco and the U.S.”

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.

Source: United States AFRICOM

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted two airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 21 and 22, 2025.

The airstrikes occurred in the vicinity of Dadar, Somalia.

The command’s initial assessment is that three ISIS-Somalia operatives were killed in the airstrikes and no civilians were harmed. Degrading ISIS and other terrorist organizations’ ability to plot and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our partners, and civilians remains central to U.S. Africa Command’s mission.

 Specific details about the operation will not be released in order to ensure continued operations security.

Source: United States AFRICOM

U.S. Africa Command, supported by U.S. Strategic Command, conducted a unique training opportunity with Libyan military tactical air controllers to promote the process of reunification of Libyan military and security institutions Feb. 26 in the vicinity of Sirte, Libya.

Two U.S. B-52H Stratofortress aircraft from the 2nd Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., transited Libyan airspace while Libyan and U.S. Joint Tactical Air Controllers demonstrated how they would jointly guide the B-52s to conduct a simulated mission.

“We are committed to continued cooperation with Libyan forces in support of a stable, unified and sovereign Libya,” said Lt. Gen. John Brennan, U.S. Africa Command Deputy Commander.  

This event showcases Libyan military unity and professionalism while demonstrating the United States’ commitment to cooperation with respected international partners.

The B-52s flew from the United States to Libya as part of a Bomber Task Force mission coordinated with Libyan counterparts, reinforcing the United States’ ability to project power globally for the collective defense and security of the U.S. homeland, partners and allies.

These missions enable U.S. and international partners to maintain a high state of readiness, interoperability, and proficiency, strengthening the ability of U.S. and international partners to address mutual security challenges and goals.

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.

Find more information about Bomber Task Force missions here.

Source: United States AFRICOM

Lt. Gen. John Brennan, U S. Africa Command Deputy Commander, traveled to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, Feb. 20-21 to meet with the Chief of Tanzanian People ‘s Defence Forces Gen. Jacob John Mkunda, and to be the keynote speaker at the closing ceremony for Exercise Cutlass Express.

“We see Tanzania as a key strategic partner in East Africa; an anchor of security and stability,” Brennan said during his meeting with the chief of defence on Feb. 21. 

Brennan and Mkunda discussed past, ongoing, and future security cooperation activities and opportunities between the United States and Tanzania, with both highlighting the importance of the newly-signed agreement between Tanzania and the Nebraska National Guard as part of the U.S. State Partnership Program.  Under the SPP, Nebraska Guard members will travel to Tanzania to train together with Tanzanian forces, strengthening both organizations and reinforcing the U.S.-Tanzanian partnership, with reciprocal visits by TPDF to Nebraska to participate in their annual training.

Following the meeting, Brennan attended the U.S. Sixth Fleet- and TPDF-hosted closing ceremony for Exercise Cutlass Express 2025, concluding the exercise’s 15th iteration since 2011.

Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Michael Mhona, Chief of operations and training for the Tanzanian people’s defence forces, spoke about the importance of training together with regional partners. 

“Cutlass Express 2025 has been an outstanding demonstration of the power of cooperation, mutual respect, and commitment to the power of regional security,” Mhona said.

The exercise took place from Feb. 10-21 and hosted over 1000 participants from 20 partner nations as part of a global network of partners that enhance cooperation and expertise in maritime security operations in the Western Indian Ocean.

Brennan echoed the importance of security cooperation and thanked TPDF organizers for hosting the exercise and being a strong partner to the United States.

“We greatly appreciate Tanzania hosting both Cutlas Express and Justified Accord simultaneously, which demonstrates not only their exceptional hospitality, but the TPDF’s capability as well,” Brennan said during his remarks. “This is an enduring partnership we want to continue to foster and grow to connect allies and partners from five continents for a common purpose.”

Cutlass Express focuses on enabling East African partners to expand their capacity and capability to support maritime security operations and combat threats such as piracy, trafficking and illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing. The coordination of 10 national maritime operations centers across eight partner nations sought to improve regional coordination, with this year being the first to feature a U.S. P-8A Poseidon aircraft to establish communication links during a Cutlass Express. Visit, board, search and seizure training in both Tanzania and Mauritius, as well as a week-long rule of law course hosted in Seychelles, allowed partners to share and refine their tactics for interdiction operations while ensuring a legal finish to hold malign actors accountable for illicit at-sea activity.

Participants spanned five continents and included Australia, Belgium, Comoros, Djibouti, France, Georgia, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Morocco, Mozambique, Senegal, Seychelles, Somalia, Tanzania, Tunisia, and the United Kingdom.

Cutlass Express is one of three regional maritime exercises led by U.S. Sixth Fleet as part of a comprehensive strategy to provide collaborative opportunities to African forces and international partners to address maritime security concerns.

Source: United States AFRICOM

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted an airstrike against ISIS-Somalia in Northeast Somalia on Feb. 16, 2025.

The command’s initial assessment is that the strike killed two ISIS terrorists and no civilians were harmed.

U.S. Africa Command will continue to assess the results of this operation and provide additional information as appropriate. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

Degrading ISIS and other terrorist organizations’ ability to plot and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our partners, and civilians remains central to U.S. Africa Command’s mission.

Source: United States AFRICOM

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command conducted airstrikes against ISIS-Somalia on Feb. 01, 2025. The joint airstrikes targeted senior ISIS-Somalia leadership in a series of cave complexes approximately 50 miles southeast of Bosaso.  

The command’s current assessment is that approximately 14 ISIS-Somalia operatives were killedand no civilians were harmed.  Among those killed was Ahmed Maeleninine, a key ISIS recruiter, financier, and external operations leader responsible for the deployment of jihadists into the United States and across Europe.

Degrading ISIS and other terrorist organizations’ ability to plot and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our partners, and civilians remains central to U.S. Africa Command’s mission.