Story perspectives

U.S. Invests $70M to Enhance Kenya's Manda Bay Base

2/3/2026

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US Strengthens Defense

The United States is investing $70 million to upgrade Manda Bay Air Base in Kenya, including a 10,000-foot runway, to expand counterterrorism operations against al-Shabab and ISIS-Somalia.
The project signals a stronger U.S.–Kenya defense partnership after the United States withdrew troops from West Africa in 2024.
In 2025, U.S. airstrikes in Somalia rose to 126, nearly doubling the 2019 high and signaling a deeper effort to disrupt terrorist networks.

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US Intensifies Airstrikes

The United States is intensifying airstrikes and operations against Islamist terrorists in Somalia, targeting ISIS and al-Qaeda.
U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Brennan says the focus has shifted from Middle East to Africa with more missions.
In 2025, U.S. Africa Command conducted 124 airstrikes, with 26 more occurring in January 2026.
Abdulqadir Mumin reportedly directs global operations from the Golis Mountains as ISIS-Somalia is targeted and al-Shabab remains a threat.

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US Strengthens Defense

The United States is investing $70 million to upgrade Manda Bay Air Base in Kenya, including a 10,000-foot runway, to expand counterterrorism operations against al-Shabab and ISIS-Somalia.
The project signals a stronger U.S.–Kenya defense partnership after the United States withdrew troops from West Africa in 2024.
In 2025, U.S. airstrikes in Somalia rose to 126, nearly doubling the 2019 high and signaling a deeper effort to disrupt terrorist networks.

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