An Unexpected Revelation in the Numbers

In a year where the winds of change are blowing across the African continent, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) has unveiled a crucial piece of information. As of March 5, 2025, AFRICOM has affirmed its execution of ten airstrikes within Somalia, responding to inquiries by the American liberal think tank New America. This information clears a mist of ambiguity that lingered like a morning fog, obscuring details from prior press releases.

Breaking Down the Operations

The airstrikes, determined and precise, were aimed at dismantling the operational capabilities of both ISIS and al-Shabaab militants over several weeks. Imagine the precision needed for such operations, the first of which took place on February 1. This initial strike targeted ISIS in Somalia, with AFRICOM employing a fleet of planes and munitions. Yet, it was curiously classified as a single strike. This approach is reminiscent of a craftsman discerning his masterpiece not by the myriad of tools used, but by the singular vision pursued.

“The essence of strategy is choosing what not to do.” — Michael Porter

On February 16, another strike marked AFRICOM’s continued vigilance against ISIS. By February 20, three calculated strikes intersected the skies over al-Shabaab territories, though they were initially recorded under the broad label of “airstrikes.” Only later did AFRICOM illuminate the details, verifying that three independent operations had unfolded.

The Unyielding Adversary

Al-Shabaab, a force of insurgency, intensified with a fierce offensive on February 20, targeting towns across Middle Shabelle and Hiraan regions. Bal’ad, lying merely 30 kilometers from Mogadishu, witnessed the unsettling sight of retreating Somali forces. Though eventually regained, this transient loss laid bare the vulnerabilities in Somalia’s defense framework. Can a nation thrive when its very defenders are on the brink?

The group’s capability to orchestrate attacks across multiple fronts hints at a persistent menace that threatens the nation’s hopes for a stable peace.

The Financial Quagmire

The Somali government’s defense struggles are not fought on the battleground alone, but within the intricate threads of its financial tapestry. Somali Finance Minister Bihi Imaan Egeh’s announcement of the U.S. cutting funding to the elite Danab special forces sent ripples through the corridors of power and worry. This crucial unit, a bulwark against terrorism, now stands vulnerable as financial support wanes. How does a country balance the scales of justice with only fragments of resources?

The global stage watches as Somalia grapples with reduced foreign aid and mounting economic insecurities. With the shadows of internal conflict looming large and global fiscal challenges adding to the burden, the government must swiftly identify alternate funding sources.

A Path Forward

AFRICOM’s strategic airstrikes, although pivotal, represent just one strand in the broader fabric of Somalia’s counter-insurgency efforts. Though these operations have undoubtedly disrupted militant narratives, they cannot singularly veil the ongoing struggles faced by ground forces, which stretch their capabilities in a relentless battle for territory.

This paints a vivid image of a nation standing at a crossroads. As Somalia navigates its turbulent present, might these challenges spur a reimagining of its pathway to peace and stability?