Gen. James Hecker, Commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), announced that the U.S. Air Force will conduct airstrikes targeting terrorist groups across Africa.
He made this statement during a digital news conference on Wednesday in Lusaka, Zambia, as part of the 2025 African Air Chiefs’ Symposium (AACS).
Hecker emphasized that groups like ISIS are high-priority targets due to their threat to both African nations and the U.S.
He confirmed that the U.S. would continue to pursue these groups, as it recently did in Somalia.
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In addition to security support, Hecker noted that the U.S. is open to collaborating with African air forces on humanitarian efforts and disaster relief.
Regarding the Boko Haram insurgency, Hecker stated that the U.S. has been assisting Nigeria through training and equipment to help in combating the terrorists.
However, he clarified that the focus of the conference was on mutual assistance among African nations, rather than air superiority or conflict.
Zambia’s Air Force Commander, Lt.-Gen. Oscar Nyoni, also spoke at the symposium, explaining that AACS member states would be ready to respond to humanitarian needs, including food, supplies, and aerial vehicles, in the event of a disaster.
He highlighted that the collaboration among air forces makes it easier to provide aid quickly and effectively.
