AFRICOM Discloses Third Strike Near Kismayo, Pushing 2026 Somalia Total Past 81

US Africa Command publicly confirmed on September 11, 2026 that it struck Al-Shabaab near Quumbi, approximately 50 miles (80 km) northwest of Kismayo, on September 8 — its third disclosed Somalia strike within a week, following the September 4 strike west of Mogadishu and a September 5 strike also near Quumbi. The disclosure brings the confirmed 2026 US airstrike total in Somalia to at least 81, keeping the year on pace to approach or exceed 2025's record of roughly 124-126 strikes. As with the prior strikes, AFRICOM withheld unit, aircraft, weapons and casualty details, citing operational security, and said the strike was conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia.