US military strikes ISIS militants in Somalia's Puntland

Puntland Security Forces parade newly trained soldiers and equipment to combat ISIS in Bosasso, Bari Region, Puntland region, Somalia, on Jan. 30, 2025. REUTERS/Feisal Omar

BOSASO, Somalia - Despite intentions to cut down support to Somalia, the United States continues with its support for the Puntland state forces, who have been fighting the ISIS militants for the last five months, making superb gains in the process.

On Sunday at Cal-Miskaad mountains, the US Africa Command launched airstrikes targeting the militants, who have been creating havoc in the northern state of Somalia, which has enjoyed stability for a long time.

The Federal Republic of Somalia was informed about the airstrikes and worked closely with the US military. The airstrikes targeting perceived hideouts of the ISIS militants, who are still running for safety within the Cal-Miskaad mountains.

A senior regional military official told reporters the strikes began at dawn and continued throughout the day, focusing on militant hideouts within the mountain range. He said that Puntland security forces had encircled the targeted area and were closing in on the remaining fighters.

Early this year, the US President Donald Trump lauded an airstrike in Puntland, while promising to ensure Washington works closely with local troops to eliminate the militants. The US Africa Command has been working to eliminate violent extremist groups in the Horn of Africa.

Currently, the US Africa Command, the United Arab Emirates, and the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) are fighting to eliminate both the al-Shabaab and ISIS militants, making a significant push in recent months.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had pledged a total war against the groups, but in northern Somalia, the government has not been able to assist local troops in making progress. Both Garowe and Mogadishu have been at loggerheads over constitutional amendments.

GAROWE ONLINE