MOGADISHU, Somalia — The United States has offered a reward of up to $1 million for information leading to the identification or capture of those responsible for an attack targeting U.S. military personnel and property at Kismayo International Airport in southern Somalia, officials said Wednesday.
The offer was announced under the State Department’s Rewards for Justice program and follows an assault claimed by the al-Qaida-linked militant group al-Shabab. The attack involved rockets and mortar shells fired at U.S. and African forces stationed at the airport, according to U.S. officials, who said the strike caused no casualties and did not damage U.S. facilities.
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“Do you have information about the individuals involved in the attack?” the program said in a statement published on a U.S. government website. “Your information could lead to a reward and possible deportation.”
Kismayo airport hosts a U.S. military presence alongside Somali and African partner forces. The United States operates a base near the airport that provides training and support to Somali federal troops and Jubbaland forces, including elite Danab units, as part of ongoing counterterrorism efforts aimed at containing al-Shabab and strengthening local security institutions.
Al-Shabab has repeatedly targeted military installations and international forces in Somalia, using indirect fire such as mortars and rockets to probe defenses and signal its continued operational reach despite sustained pressure from Somali and allied forces. The group has carried out numerous attacks in Somalia and neighboring countries over the past decade, killing thousands of civilians and security personnel, including American citizens. It remains designated by the United States as a foreign terrorist organization.
U.S. armed forces in Somalia continue to advise, train and assist Somali and regional partners in operations intended to degrade al-Shabab’s capabilities, disrupt its networks and prevent attacks against civilians and international interests. The reward announcement underscores Washington’s intent to hold perpetrators accountable and bolster the protection of U.S. personnel and facilities in the region.
Officials urged anyone with relevant information to contact the Rewards for Justice program, noting that tips can be submitted confidentially. The program, which has offered rewards for information that advances counterterrorism investigations worldwide, said it is seeking details that could help identify individuals involved in planning, facilitating, or carrying out the Kismayo attack.
While the attack on Kismayo International Airport resulted in no reported casualties or damage to U.S. facilities, it highlights the persistent threat posed by al-Shabab’s use of indirect fire and its intent to harass international and Somali security forces. The reward offer is the latest in a series of measures aimed at encouraging public cooperation to disrupt militant operations and improve security in southern Somalia.
Authorities provided no further details about the attackers or the origin of the rockets and mortars. The Rewards for Justice program emphasized that credible information leading to the identification or capture of those responsible could qualify for a payment of up to $1 million.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
