The United States has launched a series of airstrikes against the Islamic State (ISIS) affiliate in Somalia, targeting key operatives in the group’s mountainous hideouts.
President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes on social media, stating that the primary target was a “Senior ISIS Attack Planner” along with other militants he had recruited and commanded.
“These terrorists, found hiding in caves, posed a direct threat to the United States and its allies,” Trump said. “The airstrikes successfully destroyed their hideouts and eliminated numerous fighters while ensuring no harm to civilians.”
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this in an official statement, revealing that the strikes took place in Somalia’s Golis Mountains and were aimed at weakening ISIS’s ability to plan and execute attacks.
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Although the name of the targeted ISIS planner was not disclosed, U.S. officials confirmed the operation was conducted in coordination with Somalia’s Federal Government.
General Adan Abdi Hashi, commander of the Puntland Devish Forces, disclosed that at least 10 ISIS positions in the Cal-Miskaad region of the Golis Mountains were hit.
“The strikes focused on multiple locations, primarily caves, and we believe several militants were neutralized,” he said.
Residents of Qandala, a small town in Puntland’s Bari region, reported seeing smoke and flames rising from the targeted areas and hearing at least seven powerful explosions.
Officials from Puntland acknowledged the U.S. military’s efforts on social media, hailing the airstrikes as a successful counterterrorism operation. “Today’s airstrike eliminated several high-ranking ISIS operatives,” their statement read.
The U.S. Africa Command, overseeing American military actions in the region, confirmed that multiple ISIS fighters were killed in the operation.
ISIS has expanded its influence in Somalia and other parts of Africa in recent years. Since 2022, the country has hosted al-Karrar, one of nine regional ISIS offices established to maintain the group’s operational and financial networks. ISIS-Somalia has played a significant role in channeling funds to affiliates in Afghanistan and across Africa.
Under the leadership of Abdulkadir Mumin, a former al-Shabab militant, ISIS-Somalia has gained increasing influence. Some U.S. intelligence sources suggest Mumin may now be serving as the group’s global leader, though opinions differ on his exact role. Nevertheless, his influence over ISIS activities in Africa is widely acknowledged.
The U.S. previously targeted Mumin in May last year. Recent intelligence reports indicate that ISIS-Somalia has more than doubled its number of fighters in the past year, now boasting up to 1,600 militants. The group has been reinforced by recruits from Ethiopia, Morocco, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, and Yemen, with most of its forces concentrated in Puntland’s Golis Mountains.
Saturday’s airstrike, the first against ISIS in Somalia this year, was executed by fighter jets deployed from the USS Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea, according to U.S. defense officials.
Meanwhile, Somali security forces in Puntland have intensified military operations against ISIS elements in the Cal-Miskaad Mountains. Puntland authorities have also credited the United Arab Emirates for providing air support to their ongoing offensive, which began in late December and has successfully recaptured large areas from the militants.
The Somali government welcomed the U.S. strikes, calling them a crucial step in the fight against terrorism.
“The Federal Government of Somalia appreciates the firm and decisive counterterrorism measures led by the United States,” the government stated. Together, we remain committed to dismantling extremist networks and securing a future free from terrorism.