Al-Shabaab strikes U.S. drone airstrip and Italian military vehicles

On Monday Somali militant group al-Shabaab successfully carried out a targeted attack against a U.S.-Somali base at Baledogle Military Airfield. This airstrip in Somalia’s southern region of Lower Shabelle – 55 miles northwest of Mogadishu – is the location from which U.S. Africa Command launches its drone strikes, as well as where it trains Somali forces.

Al-Shabaab’s attack on the airstrip involved a car bomb and gunfire outside the entrance, but AFRICOM reported no casualties. Al-Shabaab also struck two Italian armored vehicles. This attack reportedly damaged the vehicles but Italian forces claimed there were no casualties. While both countries argued that al-Shabaab was unsuccessful in its efforts, the strikes indicate Shabaab’s strength in the region.

In response to these attacks, AFRICOM conducted two concurrent strikes against al-Shabaab. In an email to New America, AFRICOM confirmed that the strikes took place in the vicinity of Baledogle. AFRICOM stated that 10 militants were killed in the strike and one vehicle was destroyed.

In the follow up press release, AFRICOM Director of Operations, Maj. Gen. William Gayler said, "This attack, though ineffective, demonstrates the direct threat al-Shabaab poses to Americans, our allies, and interests in the region."

Tuesday’s strikes account for the United States’ 54th and 55th military operation this year. This year’s count has far surpassed that of 2018, which had the highest count recorded (43 drone strikes, airstrikes and ground raids).

The Trump administration’s war in Somalia is unparalleled compared to that of previous administrations. While the Obama administration increased the proliferation of drone warfare in the region, the Trump administration has far surpassed the strike and casualty totals of both the Obama and Bush administrations combined, killing an estimated 953 people and conducting 136 air strikes and ground operations since taking office in 2017 according to New America’s research.