U.S. Africa Command

Experts warn of a rising terrorism threat in Africa, with al-Qaida and Islamic State affiliates like Al Shabaab and ISWAP gaining capabilities through technology and expanding operations. The U.S. has reduced its military presence in Africa by 75% while focusing counterterrorism efforts on Somalia and Nigeria.

The U.S. special operations task force in Somalia is seeking three cultural and political advisors to support missions amid a 75% force reduction in the region over the past decade. Despite the drawdown, the U.S. conducted 124 airstrikes against militants in Somalia in 2025, up from 10 in 2024, while intelligence gaps have worsened due to reduced troop presence.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is using Africa as a source of resources to fuel the war in Ukraine, according to Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command. The US is facing an intelligence gap due to a reduced military presence on the continent. Terrorist groups such as ISIS and al Qaeda are also expanding their influence in Africa.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is using Africa as a resource to fuel the war in Ukraine, according to Gen. Dagvin Anderson, commander of U.S. Africa Command. The US is facing an intelligence black hole due to a shrinking military footprint in Africa. Russia, China, and terrorist groups are expanding their influence in Africa.

Two U.S. service members are reported missing in Morocco during a military exercise. U.S. Africa Command confirmed the incident is under investigation with ongoing search efforts focused on the personnel and their families.