AFRICOM airstrike in Somalia claims 5 lives

AFRICOM airstrike in Somalia claims 5 lives

Five al-Shabaab members have died in an airstrike in Somalia, according to the United States Africa Command. The U.S. strike targeted al-Shabaab leaders near Saaxa Weyne, AFRICOM said. No civilians were injured or killed during the operation. “This strike targeted known al-Shabaab leaders who facilitated finance, weapons, fighters, and explosives….

U.S. to begin AFRICOM move from Germany

U.S. to begin AFRICOM move from Germany

Some 6,500 service personnel will likely return to assignments in the United States as the U.S. Africa Command based in Stuttgart, Germany, plans a move of AFRICOM headquarters announced this week. U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, commander of AFRICOM, acknowledged President Donald Trump’s decision to move from Germany while assuring…

AFRICOM cancels annual ‘African Lion’ military exercises

AFRICOM cancels annual ‘African Lion’ military exercises

The United States says it has decided to cancel an annual military exercise held in partnership with African nations, out of concerns stemming from the coronavirus pandemic. The announcement was made Monday by the U.S. Africa Command, based in Stuttgart, Germany. AFRICOM said the decision was taken in careful consideration…

Rwanda becomes 15th nation in U.S. AFRICOM program

Rwanda is the latest African nation to join in a U.S. military program that partners members of its National Guard units from specific U.S. states with governments around the world. The signing ceremony pairing the Nebraska National Guard with Rwandans took place Thursday in Kigali. “State partnerships are integral to…

Laureen Fagan

Laureen is the editor of Africa Times

U.S. says 10 killed in retaliatory Somalia strikes

The United States says none of its personnel, nor those of its partners in Somalia, were injured on Monday when a car bomb attack happened at the Baledogle Military Airfield – but the attack was cause for a U.S. response. “This attack, though ineffective, demonstrates the direct threat al-Shabaab poses…

New AFRICOM head meets with Libya’s Sarraj in Tunis

The new commander for the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) traveled to Tunis this week to meet with Libyan leader Fayez al-Sarraj, the head of Libya’s internationally recognized Government of National Accord (GNA). U.S. Army Gen. Stephen Townsend, who replaced Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser at the end of…

AFRICOM welcomes new command as Waldhauser set to retire

United States Army Gen. Stephen J. Townsend has assumed command of AFRICOM, replacing Marine Corps Gen. Thomas D. Waldhauser, who served in the position for three years. Waldhauser is retiring after 43 years of service. Townsend steps into the AFRICOM leadership role after serving as the commander of United States…

Report: U.S. to shift military personnel away from Africa

The United States is reviewing a plan to withdraw nearly all American counterterrorism forces from African countries, the New York Times reported on Sunday. Three Defense Department officials told the Times that if the plans are approved by U.S. Secretary of Defense James Mattis, the U.S. would shut down seven…

Mogadishu bombing toll rises to 18

The death toll in Somalia has risen to 18 following Thursday’s car bomb attack at the Wehliye hotel in Mogadishu. Most of the victims were civilians, according to local media accounts. At least one of the victims was a foreign national. Hussein Mohamed Dirir, a Norwegian citizen of Somali descent…

Djibouti: We’re not giving the Doraleh site to China

Djibouti has pushed back against what it called “mercilessly pillorying” over speculation that the strategically located Doraleh Container Terminal (DCT) – seized from former operator DP World by its government last month – could be used to expand China’s footprint in the Horn of Africa while threatening United States interests….