US Military Launches Airstrikes Against Islamic State in Somalia

The United States military has recently undertaken airstrikes in Somalia aimed at Islamic State (IS) members, as confirmed by President Trump. These strikes represent the first military action authorized by his administration and were specifically directed at a key IS attack planner along with other militants.

The operations took place in the Golis Mountains in northern Somalia, an area known to be a stronghold for IS-Somalia, which separated from the al-Qaeda-aligned al-Shabaab group in 2015. In his communication via Truth Social, Trump noted that these militants had posed threats to the United States and its allies while hidden in caves, asserting that the strikes not only eliminated many terrorists but also did so without causing civilian casualties.

Trump further criticized the previous administration for not acting swiftly enough against these threats, while he assured a vigorous approach to national security. Though the president did not disclose the names of the individuals targeted in the strikes, he concluded with a strong warning to ISIS and other adversaries, promising decisive action against those who attack Americans.

The US has maintained a systematic campaign of airstrikes in Somalia across different administrations. In a recent operation ordered by President Biden, a senior ISIS commander was killed alongside ten other militants, indicating ongoing US involvement in the region. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed gratitude for America’s assistance in combating terrorism, recognizing the significance of the US's leadership in these efforts.

In response to the airstrikes, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth stated that multiple IS operatives were killed and initial assessments indicated no civilian casualties. He noted that such actions diminish ISIS’s capacity to execute attacks that jeopardize US citizens and allies. Hegseth further reinforced the message that the US remains committed to striking down terrorists, highlighting ongoing border protection and various military operations under Trump's leadership.

While ISIS previously gained notoriety for its activities in the Middle East, its influence is now mostly confined to Africa, where political instability has become a breeding ground for extremist groups. This operation comes amid considerations regarding the potential withdrawal of US troops from Europe, reflecting a strategic shift in military engagement during Trump's administration, which previously saw a drawdown of troops from Somalia and a preference for airstrike-based interventions.