AFRICOM Records 49 Airstrikes in Somalia in Q1 2026 — Record-Breaking Pace Widely Reported

Military Times (April 2) and Stars and Stripes (April 1) confirmed that US Africa Command had recorded 49 airstrikes in Somalia through Q1 2026, with the tally reaching 49 after a strike targeting Al-Shabaab fighters approximately 80 miles (129 km) northwest of Kismayo (Jubbaland). At this pace — roughly 16–17 strikes per month — AFRICOM is on track to conduct approximately 200 airstrikes in Somalia in 2026, far exceeding the 2025 record of approximately 125 annual strikes (itself historic) and the prior peak of 63 in 2019. The dramatic escalation reflects expanded delegation of strike authority to AFRICOM commanders by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The pace of operations reflects simultaneous pressure on Al-Shabaab in Lower Shabelle (Operation Rolling Thunder / Bader), ISIS-Somalia in Puntland's Golis/Cal Miskaad mountains, and Jubbaland front operations. Critics, including the independent monitor Airwars, warned that the increased strike tempo raises accountability concerns for potential civilian harm in remote areas.