Category: AFRICOM

Source: United States AFRICOM

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In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes against al Shabaab on May 17, 2025.

The airstrikes occurred approximately 200 km north of Mogadishu near Mabaax, Somalia.

Al Shabaab has proven both its will and capability to attack U.S. forces.

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.

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

Source: United States AFRICOM

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U.S. and Royal Moroccan Armed forces officially began the Morocco portion of African Lion 25, the largest annual joint military exercise on the African continent, with training events beginning this week across multiple regions of the Kingdom of Morocco.

African Lion 25 (AL25) demonstrates the enduring strategic military partnership between the Kingdom of Morocco and the United States. The exercise features joint operations involving ground, air, and combined staff components, designed to strengthen regional security, promote interoperability, and build readiness across allied and partner forces.

“Exercise African Lion 25 exemplifies the robust and enduring defense partnership between the United States and Morocco, showcasing our shared commitment to regional stability and security,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Seward Matwick, the defense attaché for U.S. Embassy Rabat. “Through this joint effort, we enhance our operational readiness and strengthen the bonds of cooperation with our Moroccan counterparts and other participating nations.”

This year’s Morocco-based activities include field training exercises (FTX), a planning exercise (PLANEX), and live-fire drills, along with humanitarian and academic exchanges focused on enhancing multinational coordination and operational effectiveness. The Kingdom of Morocco is hosting the largest concentration of activities for this iteration of African Lion, reaffirming its role as a cornerstone of regional security cooperation.

AL25 further deepens the U.S.-Morocco defense partnership through the National Guard’s State Partnership Program. The Utah National Guard—Morocco’s official state partner since 2003— will play a direct role in the humanitarian civic assistance exchange during this year’s exercise.

AL25 serves as a practical demonstration of U.S. Africa Command’s (USAFRICOM) ability to project power across Africa. From strategic airlift to sustainment operations, the exercise tests and validates the Army’s expeditionary logistics network. 

African Lion demonstrates our ability to project combat power across Africa,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Hannah K. Williams, U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) G4 exercise chief. “The strategic lift, reception, and onward movement of forces and materiel required to support this exercise not only highlight our logistical capabilities, but also our commitment to global readiness. We don’t just move—we position ourselves to respond rapidly and decisively alongside our partners.”

“Our logistics teams and Moroccan counterparts have developed a seamless working rhythm over the years,” added U.S. Army Maj. Jonathan F. Alvis, SETAF-AF logistics planner for AL25 in Morocco. “Exercises like African Lion show that we don’t just plan together, we solve problems together, under pressure and in real time.”

Participating nations include Cameroon, Cape Verde, Djibouti, France, Gambia, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Hungary, Israel, Kenya, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

“Morocco is a strategic partner that for the last 21 years has been the primary host for Exercise African Lion, their steadfast support, multinational inclusion, and unwavering support make the exercise successful year after year. They remain a vital and trusted partner in our shared pursuit of stability and security in the region,” said Eldridge Browne, Chief of Exercises for SETAF-AF. “African Lion showcases how we train, deploy, and operate together as a combined and joint all domain force.”

AL25, the largest annual military exercise in Africa, will take place from April 14 to May 23, 2025. Led by USAFRICOM with over 10,000 troops from more than 50 nations, including seven NATO allies, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. The exercise aims to bolster military readiness, enhance lethality, and foster stronger partnerships, ultimately improving joint capabilities in complex multi-domain environments to enable participating forces to deploy, fight, and win.

For media inquiries or to request interviews or embed opportunities, contact:

SETAF-AF Public Affairs: setaf_mediarelations@army.mil

DVIDS Feature Page: https://www.dvidshub.net/feature/AfricanLionEx

Source: United States AFRICOM

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General Langley Engages with Leaders in Côte d’Ivoire

Front Row L-R Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lassina Doumbia, AFRICOM Commander Gen. Michael Langley, Minister of Defence Téné Birahima Ouattara, U.S. Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba, National Security Advisor Fidele Sarassoro. Back Row: Director General of Strategic Affairs Brig. Gen. Bakary Diarassouba, and U.S. Defense Attaché Lt. Col. Thomas Dyrenforth

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General Langley Engages with Leaders in Côte d’Ivoire

Minister of Defense Téné Birahima Ouattara and AFRICOM Commander Gen. Michael Langley

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General Langley Engages with Leaders in Côte d’Ivoire

L-R: Ivoirian National Security Advisor Fidele Sarassoro, U.S. Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba, Minister of Defence Téné Birahima Ouattara, AFRICOM Commander Gen. Michael Langley, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Lassina Doumbia

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, traveled to Côte d’Ivoire, April 24-25, to meet with Ivorian leaders and deliver remarks at the opening ceremony of Flintlock 25, the command’s annual combined special operations exercise.

At the opening ceremony, General Langley highlighted the importance of joint exercises like Flintlock in enhancing the readiness and lethality of participating forces. He emphasized that this increased capability is crucial for deterring terror organizations and other malign actors operating from Africa.

Later, Langley and U.S. Ambassador Jessica Davis Ba met with Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister of Defence Téné Birahima Ouattara and Chief of Defence Staff Lt. Gen. Lassina Doumbia. The leaders discussed security cooperation opportunities to counter transnational threats and emphasized Côte d’Ivoire’s role as a security leader in the region. 

AFRICOM is one of seven U.S. geographic combatant commands, responsible for military engagement across 53 African nations. Working with partners and allies, the command counters malign actors and transnational threats, responds to crises, strengthens African security forces, and supports U.S. government efforts in Africa to advance U.S. national interests and promote regional security, stability, and prosperity.

Source: United States AFRICOM

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U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) recently completed a successful Continuity of Operations (COOP) exercise, significantly bolstered by a use of an emerging artificial intelligence (AI) PowerApp capability designed to enhance efficiency with human resources management. The PowerApp demonstration showcased how AFRICOM can track and maintain situational awareness of geographically dispersed personnel across myriad agencies to maintain critical functions and operational readiness under challenging circumstances, leveraging AI for rapid personnel accountability and resource allocation.

The COOP exercise simulated a disruption to normal operations, requiring AFRICOM to quickly assess personnel status and maintain command and control across the African continent. The AI tool, established through a collaboration between the AFRICOM J8 Resources and Assessments, J6 C4S (Command, Control, Communication and Computer Systems), and J1 Manpower and Personnel directorates, proved instrumental in this effort.

This system extracts and consolidates human resources data from multiple sources into a refined AFRICOM Data Environment (ADE), providing an unprecedented, real-time view of personnel supporting the command – both at the headquarters and dispersed across the African continent. During the exercise, this capability allowed AFRICOM to swiftly identify available personnel, assess skillsets, and re-allocate resources to maintain essential functions despite the simulated disruption.

“Working with a contract partner, we developed the tool and demonstrated its capabilities during the COOP exercise, validating the critical role AI can play in our ability to continue operations even in the face of adversity,” said Col. Scott Johnson, AFRICOM Director of Manpower and Personnel. “The speed and accuracy with which we were able to account for and redeploy personnel was a direct result of this technology.”

The AI PowerApp tool is the result of an increased focus on innovation at AFRICOM and recent call for AI solutions by the DoD’s Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) AI Rapid Capabilities Cell (AI RCC). AFRICOM’s J1 directorate submitted a proposal in January 2025 and has been working with the CDAO on funding solutions.

AFRICOM is the first Combatant Command (COCOM) to prototype such a transformative tool, underscoring its commitment to embracing cutting-edge technology and aligning with the National Defense Strategy and DoD’s Combined Joint All Domain Command and Control (JADC2) initiative. The successful COOP exercise demonstrates the practical application of this technology, paving the way for substantial cost savings and increased efficiency in the long term.

This AI-powered personnel system has the ability to not only enhance AFRICOM’s daily operations but also solidify its ability to maintain a strategic edge and fulfill its vital mission in Africa’s complex environment, even during times of crisis.

Source: United States AFRICOM

In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted an airstrike against al Shabaab on April 16, 2025. 

The airstrike occurred in the vicinity of Adan Yabaal, Somalia. 

AFRICOM’s initial assessment is that no civilians were harmed. 

Al Shabaab has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. forces. 

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. 

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

Source: United States AFRICOM

At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on April 18, 2025. 

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

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 citizens abroad. 

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

Source: United States AFRICOM

U.S. Marine Corps Gen. Michael E. Langley, commander of U.S. Africa Command, testified yesterday before the Senate Armed Services Committee, delivering the command’s 2025 posture statement and highlighting the strategic importance of the African continent.

“Everything we do has one overarching goal in mind: achieving peace through strength,” Langley said during his opening remarks. “This requires three things – a clear understanding of national security threats, a robust and dependable network of like-minded allies and partners, and appropriate resourcing to match military requirements.”

Providing his assessment of the terrorist threat in the region to committee members, Langley discussed the persistent and growing risk to regional and global security from violent extremists including ISIS, which he said is directing global operations from Somalia and al Shabaab. 

“Left unchecked, they will have a direct effect on the homeland.” 

Addressing the intent and goals of the strategic competitors in Africa, Langley described the Chinese Communist Party intent on using Africa to become the global hegemon and a Russian Federation that seizes opportunity created by chaos and instability.

“In order to protect our homeland and United States interests. We must deter these nations and their malign actors from their goals on the African continent,” he said.

Asked about tools the command needs to be effective, Langley explained that USAFRICOM continues to leverage security cooperation as a primary tool to build operational independence among African partners; and that exercises such as FLINTLOCK, AFRICAN LION, and OBANGAME EXPRESS enhance military readiness, promote interoperability, and reinforce strong bilateral and multilateral relationships across all domains.

“As a posture-limited theater, we establish strength and work towards peace by enhancing the security capabilities of our African partners through a robust system of alliances. Exercises, training events, security cooperation, and foreign military sales programs are the backbone of our military activities on the continent,” Langley said.  

Langley wrapped up his testimony by underscoring the importance of capabilities such as airborne intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance, and counter-unmanned aerial systems in counterterrorism efforts. The command, he said, “seeks to match these capabilities against current and emerging threats to ensure the security of our forces while advancing American interests.”

The full statement and hearing can be viewed on the U.S. Africa Command website.

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.

Source: United States AFRICOM

At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted a collective self-defense airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on April 1, 2025.

The airstrike occurred southeast of Bosaso, Puntland, in Northeastern Somalia.

AFRICOM’s initial assessment is that multiple enemy combatants were killed and that no civilians were injured or killed.

ISIS-Somalia has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. and partner forces. This group’s malicious efforts threaten U.S. national 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 units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

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.