“Al-Shabaab and other actors intent on undermining peace and security in Somalia” have had sanctions against them extended as one of nine United States (US) military commands continues airstrikes for the Somali government.

The sanction extension decision was authorised by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) this week and makes provision for member-states to inspect vessels transporting banned items to and from Somalia, including illegal arms imports and charcoal exports until December 13. At the same time the UNSC renewed the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the al-Shabaab sanctions regime until 13 January 2026 in terms of resolution 2776 (2025).

All necessary measures are to be taken to ensure deliveries of weapons, ammunition and military equipment destined for al-Shabaab and “other actors” intent on undermining what the UNSC terms “peace and security in Somalia and the region”.

The Somali government, its army, police force and custodial corps as well as its National Intelligence and Security Agency are exempt from the sanctions’ extension.

Following its first airstrike in Somalia under second term US President Donald Trump – made public by The Pentagon on February 1 – Africom reports four more similar sorties to date. Two, specify the number – three – of actual strikes with the others reported as “collective self-defence air strikes”.

Statements from the Stuttgart headquartered command’s public affairs office have it all the sorties were undertaken at the request of the Somali government on identified al-Shabaab sites with initial assessments that no civilians were injured or killed.

Africom states further: “Al-Shabaab has proved both its will and capability to attack US and partner forces. This terrorist group’s malicious efforts threaten US and international security interests”.

“US Africa Command (Africom), alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade al Shabaab’s ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the US homeland, our partners and civilians.

“Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.”

• A Tell report / Republished with the permission of