Africa Command (AFRICOM)

The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) is a unified combatant command of the U.S. Department of Defense, responsible for U.S. military operations on the African continent. AFRICOM is currently newsworthy due to its recent involvement in coordinated air strikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in northeastern Nigeria. These strikes, conducted in partnership with the Nigerian government, followed the successful joint mission that killed Abu Bakr al-Mainuki, identified as the global second-in-command of IS. AFRICOM confirmed carrying out "additional kinetic" strikes on Sunday, indicating ongoing efforts to counter ISIL/ISIS fighters in the region. The command's activities highlight its role in supporting African partners in counter-terrorism operations and maintaining regional security through direct military action.