AFRICOM data indicates that since May 6, the U.S. has carried out 28 airstrikes in Somalia targeting Al-Shabaab, but has not reported any strikes against ISIS. However, the report notes that there are reports suggesting the United States carried out an airstrike on September 3, 2026, in the Togga Baalade area of the Al-Miskaad mountains, where positions held by members of the Islamic State (Daesh) were allegedly targeted. This information, reported by the media outlet *Drop Site*, is attributed to security officials from Puntland.
AFRICOM has denied that the U.S. conducted such an airstrike, stating further that it discloses all airstrikes it carries out on its official website.
David Sterman also noted that the United States conducted 126 airstrikes and military operations in Somalia during 2025, while the number recorded so far in 2026 has reached 93—indicating a decline in the tempo of operations.
The report adds that U.S. airstrikes have significantly weakened the Islamic State (Daesh) in Somalia—as indicated by previous assessments from AFRICOM and the United Nations—though it has not yet been confirmed that the group has been completely defeated. The author of the report cautioned that it cannot be definitively confirmed whether the pause in airstrikes signifies the end of the U.S. operation against ISIS, noting the possibility that some strikes may have occurred without being officially announced.
He also emphasized the need for greater transparency regarding U.S. military operations, as well as the importance of clearly establishing accountability for airstrikes carried out in Somalia by various international actors.
