US Conducts Largest Aircraft Carrier Airstrike Against Militants Somalia

In 2025, the U.S. military intensified its operations against extremist groups in Somalia, conducting multiple significant airstrikes in coordination with Somali forces. AFRICOM, alongside the Somali government, targeted Al-Shabaab militants near Kismayo, aiming to degrade their operational capacity without causing civilian casualties, reinforcing the U.S. commitment to regional stability. Additionally, the USS Harry S. Truman launched what Admiral James Kilby called the largest airstrike ever from a single aircraft carrier, deploying 125,000 pounds of precision-guided munitions against ISIS-linked cave complexes in the Golis Mountains, showcasing advanced joint-service coordination and long-range strike capabilities. These operations reflect a strategic focus on undermining terrorist threats posed by Al-Shabaab and ISIS in Somalia, with Somalia offering the U.S. exclusive access to key air bases and ports to facilitate continued military engagement. The U.S. support encompasses drone strikes, training of elite Somali forces, and complex logistical coordination between naval and air force assets to maintain pressure on insurgent groups. This multinational effort highlights the ongoing geopolitical and security challenges in the Horn of Africa region.