Buulo Burde, Hiiraan – The Somali government announced that the U.S. conducted airstrikes in Buulo Burde after two years without any operations in the area, targeting Al-Shabaab fighters who were planning attacks.

The Federal Government of Somalia, in collaboration with the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), carried out coordinated airstrikes on February 20, 2025, in Buulo Burde, Hiiraan region. The strikes targeted Al-Shabaab militants who were allegedly preparing an attack in the area.

According to a press release yesterday from Somalia’s Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, the Somali National Army (SNA), with AFRICOM’s support, conducted the airstrikes to prevent Al-Shabaab from executing their plans. The ministry added that the operation is part of broader efforts to intensify the fight against Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants still active in parts of Somalia.

“The Federal Government of Somalia is committed to eradicating terrorist groups. This operation is part of a comprehensive strategy to strengthen counter-terrorism efforts against threats to Somali civilians and global security,” the Ministry stated in the press release.

While the Somali government confirmed the airstrikes, AFRICOM has yet to release an official statement regarding the operation. AFRICOM previously conducted similar airstrikes in Buulo Burde in 2022 to support Somali forces battling Al-Shabaab.

These latest airstrikes come as the U.S. increases its operations against ISIS and Al-Shabaab militants in Somalia, particularly in the Bari region of Puntland, where heavy airstrikes recently targeted ISIS fighters.