On April 15, 2025, the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM), in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, conducted an airstrike inside Somalia to destroy sophisticated weapons on an unmarked vessel and a small support vessel.
An AFRICOM statement confirmed that the weapons were intended for Al-Shabaab, which it said posed a significant threat to the security of Somalia and the overall stability of the region, particularly international partners supporting peacebuilding efforts in Somalia.
The statement did not specify the location of the Al-Shabaab weapons vessel.
A preliminary assessment indicated that all crew members on both vessels were killed in the strike, with no Somali civilians injured.
AFRICOM stressed that the operation was a targeted operation that was critical to disrupting arms networks and support for extremist groups fighting in Somalia.
The Somali government praised the operation, saying it was part of efforts to combat terrorist groups.
