The United States has continued launching airstrikes in Somalia, targeting the terrorist group al-Shabaab. These actions come even after President Donald Trump returned to office promising to reduce U.S. involvement in long and unclear wars. However, rising threats from al-Shabaab and Islamic State fighters in Somalia have forced the U.S. to act again.
In recent weeks, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed a “self-defense” airstrike north of Mogadishu. The strike was done in cooperation with Somalia’s government. It happened after al-Shabaab fighters captured a Somali military base in Wargaadhi, a town in the Middle Shabelle region.
Why Somalia matters again
Somalia is still a major concern for global security. The country has struggled for decades with war, weak governments, and powerful armed groups. Al-Shabaab remains the most dangerous of these groups. It has links to al-Qaeda and controls large areas of Somalia.
Experts say al-Shabaab is now trying to block key roads between Mogadishu and the central Galmudug region. This is hurting the Somali army’s efforts to move troops and equipment.
New peacekeeping mission faces challenges
In February, the African Union replaced its old mission, ATMIS, with a new one called AUSSOM. This mission has 12,000 peacekeepers from Uganda, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, and Egypt. But AUSSOM faces serious funding issues. The U.S. has cut its support for many such international missions, including those run by the United Nations and the African Union.
Instead, Washington has focused on training a special Somali army unit called Danab. These elite forces are trained and equipped by the U.S. They fight directly against al-Shabaab and sometimes receive air support from American drones.
Long conflict with little progress
The U.S. has carried out airstrikes in Somalia for many years. But al-Shabaab still remains strong. The group often attacks the Somali government and African Union forces. Somalia is still seen by many as a “failed state,” where the rule of law is weak and terrorist groups can operate freely.
Al-Shabaab also carries out attacks outside Somalia. It has struck targets in Kenya and Uganda. Some fighters are involved in piracy near the Gulf of Aden.
New threats from Islamic State Somalia
The U.S. is also targeting a second group in Somalia: Islamic State Somalia (IS-Somalia). The United Nations recently reported that Abdul Qadir Mumin, leader of IS-Somalia, may even be leading the global Islamic State network. While some governments are unsure of this claim, they agree that Mumin plays a key role in managing the group’s funding and logistics.
His group runs a special office, the al-Karrar Office, which handles money, training, and weapons for IS fighters in different countries.
Somalia’s internal problems add to the crisis
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia is facing criticism. Reports say he has lost support from important clan leaders and even members of his own government. Many worry that Somali troops are not strong enough to defend the country alone. This reminds some experts of what happened in Afghanistan in 2021, when the Taliban quickly took over after U.S. troops left.
The U.S. fears the same thing could happen in Somalia if international support ends too soon.
Terrorist groups are working together
There is growing evidence that al-Shabaab is joining forces with other terrorist groups. These include al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM), and even the Houthis from Yemen. The Houthis are linked to Iran and are also under U.S. airstrikes.
Reports suggest the Houthis have worked with both al-Shabaab and IS-Somalia. This shows how dangerous and flexible these groups are. They are trying to build strong supply networks and work together to avoid being stopped.
How al-Shabaab gets its money
Al-Shabaab has a large income. Experts estimate the group makes between $100 million and $200 million every year. The group uses mobile money transfers and U.S. dollars to collect extortion payments. They also use banks, cash couriers, and money services to fund operations.
A report by Elena Martynova for Insight Intelligence showed how these money systems support the group’s fighters and weapons. This makes it hard to stop al-Shabaab, even with strong military pressure.
What this means for Somalia and the world
Despite years of U.S. strikes and local fighting, al-Shabaab remains a powerful and growing threat. Its leaders are well-funded, well-connected, and hard to defeat. The group may not only endanger Somalia but also attack U.S. interests in Africa and beyond.
With continued violence, poor governance, and limited foreign support, Somalia’s future remains uncertain. Experts warn that pulling back too quickly, like in Afghanistan, could lead to disaster.