Gen. James Hecker, Commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), has announced that the U.S. Air Force will carry out airstrikes against terrorist targets across Africa.
Speaking at a digital news conference during the 2025 African Air Chiefs’ Symposium (AACS) in Lusaka, Zambia, Hecker emphasized the U.S. commitment to combating terrorist groups that threaten African nations and the United States.
“Terrorist organizations like ISIS are high-value targets that pose a threat to Africa and the U.S. We will continue to target them, as we have done in Somalia recently,” Hecker stated.
The virtual conference, organized by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), provided Hecker an opportunity to discuss U.S. military partnerships with African nations and AACS operations.
Beyond security efforts, Hecker highlighted the U.S. Air Force’s willingness to collaborate with African air forces in humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts.
Addressing the Boko Haram insurgency, Hecker noted that the U.S. has long supported Nigeria through training and equipment. However, he clarified that the symposium focused on cooperation among African nations rather than military conflict.
Zambia’s Air Force Commander, Lt.-Gen. Oscar Nyoni, also spoke at the event, explaining how AACS member states would respond to humanitarian crises. He emphasized that pooled resources, including food, logistics, and aerial support, would enable member nations to provide swift assistance in times of disaster.
“With AACS, it becomes easier to coordinate logistics and ensure timely aid for those in need,” Nyoni said.