The United States Air Force has announced plans to carry out airstrikes against terrorist groups across Africa, including Boko Haram and ISIS.
General James Hecker, the Commander of the U.S. Air Forces in Europe and Africa, made this known during a digital news conference at the 2025 African Air Chiefs’ Symposium in Lusaka, Zambia, on Wednesday.
“Terrorist organisations like ISIS pose a threat to African nations and the United States. So we will continue to go after these groups that endanger our African partners and the U.S.,” Hecker stated.
When asked how the U.S. Air Force could help Nigeria fight Boko Haram, Hecker said the U.S. had been supporting Nigeria for a long time by providing training and equipment.
“The U.S. Government has provided training and equipment to Nigeria for quite a while, so hopefully, that will help them out,” he said.
However, he explained that the symposium was not focused on war strategies but on how African nations could support one another.
“We are not talking about air superiority or conflict. We are discussing how we can help each other – African nations assisting one another – and that is the goal of this conference,” he added.
Aside from security matters, the U.S. Air Force also plans to collaborate with African nations on humanitarian aid and disaster relief.
Zambia’s Air Force Commander, Lt.-Gen. Oscar Nyoni, highlighted how the AACS would respond to humanitarian needs in times of crisis.
“With AACS, humanitarian needs like food supplies, logistics, and aerial support will be provided by member states, contributing whatever they can,” Nyoni said.
He added that the partnership between African air forces and the U.S. would make it easier to deliver aid to affected areas quickly.
“The more the numbers, the better for us. Working together allows us to assist those in trouble more effectively,” he stated.
The conference focused on strengthening cooperation among African air forces while ensuring security and support for affected communities.
