Mogadishu – U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has confirmed that American military aircraft conducted airstrikes targeting Al-Shabaab bases in Somalia’s Middle Shabelle region, north of Mogadishu, on Thursday.

In a statement, AFRICOM said the airstrikes were carried out in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia. The operation reportedly took place near the village of Noor Dogle, approximately 215 kilometers northeast of Mogadishu.

AFRICOM stated that it continues to work closely with the Somali National Armed Forces to disrupt Al-Shabaab’s capacity to threaten U.S. interests, American forces, and U.S. citizens abroad. However, the command declined to provide further operational details.

The airstrikes followed recent developments on the ground, as Al-Shabaab reportedly seized control of the Noor Dogle area after clashes with government forces. The takeover has enabled the group to expand its control over large parts of the Middle Shabelle region, raising renewed security concerns.

From a policy perspective, the strikes underscore the continued reliance on U.S.–Somalia security cooperation to counter militant territorial advances, particularly in strategically significant regions near the capital.