Lusaka: Gen. James Hecker, Commander of the U.S. Air Forces, Europe and Africa (USAFE-AFAFRICA), has announced that the U.S. Air Force will conduct airstrikes against terrorist targets across Africa. Hecker made this statement during a digital news conference while attending the 2025 African Air Chiefs’ Symposium (AACS) in Lusaka, Zambia.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the digital conference was organized to allow Gen. Hecker to discuss U.S. commitments to military partnerships with African nations and AACS operations. Hecker emphasized that terrorist groups like ISIS pose threats to both African nations and the U.S., and will be targeted by U.S. forces, as demonstrated in recent operations against ISIS in Somalia.
Hecker highlighted the U.S.’s willingness to collaborate with African air forces through security support and humanitarian assistance. Addressing the Boko Haram insurgency, he noted that the U.S. has been supporting Nigeria with training and equipment for some time. However, he stressed that the symposium’s focus was on cooperation between African nations rather than air superiority or conflict.
Zambia’s Air Force Commander, Lt.-Gen. Oscar Nyoni, also spoke at the event, providing insights into how AACS member states could respond to humanitarian needs in the event of a disaster. He explained that AACS facilitates the provision of foodstuff, logistics, supplies, and aerial vehicles by member states, aiding those in need.