IRIA News

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The U.S. military conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS operatives in the Golis Mountains of Puntland in Somalia on February 1, 2025. This operation was the first such military action in Somalia by the U.S. during President Donald Trump’s second term.

The airstrikes were carried out by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) under the direct orders of President Trump and in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia. An initial assessment by the Pentagon indicated that multiple ISIS operatives were killed, with no civilian casualties reported. The primary target was a senior ISIS attack planner, though specific identities have not been disclosed.

President Trump announced the operation on social media, stating, “The strikes destroyed the caves they live in, and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians. Our Military has targeted this ISIS Attack Planner for years, but Biden and his cronies would not act quickly enough to get the job done. I did!” He further emphasized, “The message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that ‘WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!'”

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth confirmed the operation, noting that it was conducted in close collaboration with Somali authorities. He stated, “At President Trump’s direction and in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, we authorized U.S. Africa Command to conduct coordinated airstrikes today targeting ISIS-Somalia operatives in the Golis mountains.”

Somalia’s response

The office of Somalia’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, expressed gratitude for the U.S. support, stating that the operation “reinforces the strong security partnership” between the two nations in “combating extremist threats.” In a post on X, it affirmed Somalia’s commitment to working with allies to eliminate international terrorism and ensure regional stability.

https://t.co/kwqCitTQ9m pic.twitter.com/YMUtfSEk38

— Hassan Sheikh Mohamud (@HassanSMohamud) February 1, 2025

Earlier on December 31, 2024, the Somali government requested the U.S. military to conduct a collective self-defense airstrike against Al Shabaab, an Islamist terrorist group linked with Al Qaida.

The airstrike was conducted in Beer Xaani, approximately 35 kilometers northwest of Cooperative Security Location Kismayo. The initial post-strike assessment indicated the airstrike killed 10 al-Shabaab militants while no civilians were harmed. 

In addition to the airstrike, U.S. forces provided support to Somali forces by evacuating Soldiers who were attacked while fighting the terrorist group.

“Al-Shabaab has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. and partner forces. This terrorist group’s malicious efforts threaten U.S. and international security interests both in and outside the continent of Africa,” a statement by the U.S. AFRICOM said.

ISIS in Somalia

The ISIS affiliation in Somalia emerged in 2015 as a breakaway faction from Al Shabab, Al Qaida’s East African branch. Led by Abdulkadir Mumin, the group is most active in the Puntland region, particularly in the Galgala Mountains, where it has established hideouts and training camps.

While its influence is relatively limited compared to Al Shabab, the Islamic State in Somalia has been involved in attacks in southern and central regions of the country. The group funds its activities through extortion, smuggling, and illicit taxation, especially in some coastal areas where it has attempted to control local businesses.

Despite facing counterterrorism pressure from Somali security forces, U.S. airstrikes, and rivalries with Al Shabab, ISIS continues to operate in both remote and urban areas, seeking to expand its influence through recruitment and propaganda. Estimates suggest that the number of ISIS militants in the country ranges from 300 to 700, mostly scattered in the Cal Miskaat mountains in Puntland’s Bari region.

U.S. counterterrorism strategy in Africa

The Pentagon’s counterterrorism strategy in Africa has faced challenges as key partners, including Chad and Niger, ousted U.S. forces last year and took over bases that the U.S. military had used to train and conduct missions against terrorist groups across the Sahel. This development has strained efforts to combat extremist threats in the region.

U.S. military officials have expressed concerns that ISIS cells in Somalia have received increasing direction from the group’s leadership, which has relocated to northern Somalia. This guidance includes tactics such as kidnapping Westerners for ransom, improving military strategies, evading drones, and constructing small quadcopters.

The U.S. airstrikes in Somalia represent a significant escalation in efforts to dismantle IS operations in the region. The collaboration between U.S. and Somali forces highlights the ongoing partnership aimed at enhancing security and stability in East Africa. As the situation develops, the international community will closely monitor the impact of these actions on the broader fight against terrorism.