Since 2007, the US has been conducting a covert program to target and kill Al-Shabaab commanders and operatives based in Somalia.
Based on events recorded on Strategic Intelligence (SI) Counter-terrorism Database and backed by data from open sources, predominant media reports and from the U.S. headquarters responsible for the war in Somalia, Africa Command or AFRICOM, U.S. has escalated it air sorties targeting Al-Shabaab dens and hideouts across the regions of Somalia.
So far, U.S. in support of the Federal Government Forces has conducted a total of 28 airstrikes in Somalia this year, all of which have targeted Al-Shabaab. In 2017, it conducted 31 strikes against Al-Shabaab, a record high and expected to exceed this year.
U.S. deployed troops on the ground for surveillance, reconnaissance, and assault and capture operations.
Its first air raids began in 2007 with helicopters and AC-130 gunships, while In June 2011, the U.S. began carrying out drone strikes in Somalia.
The airstrikes from unidentified Airforce in Somalia has left more than 160 Al-Qaeda linked Al-Shabaab jihadists killed. The U.S. and Kenyan forces usually conducts airstrikes targeting terrorists and their assets in Somalia.
