Trump Administration Escalates Airstrikes in Somalia Amid Growing Terror Threat

MOGADISHU, Somalia - The US military confirmed an airstrike in Somalia’s northern state of Puntland, a testament to its continued support in the fight against terrorism, with the Horn of Africa nation pushing for the elimination of terror groups that have wreaked havoc for over two decades.

In what appears to be support for Puntland regional forces, the US military targeted ISIS militants in the Cal-Miskaad mountains within the Bari region, leading to multiple deaths, the Command confirmed in a statement on X (formerly Twitter).

The operation comes about two months after President Donald Trump announced the death of a senior ISIS commander who was eliminated following an airstrike within the northern state of Somalia.

"AFRICOM’s initial assessment is that multiple ISIS-Somalia operatives were killed and no civilians were harmed. ISIS-Somalia has proved both its will and capability to attack U.S. and partner forces. This group's malicious efforts threaten U.S. security interests," read the statement.

"AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia's ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our civilians abroad."

The statement further reads that specific details about the operation will not be released to ensure continued operations security. The US is a partner in the fight against both Al-Shabaab and ISIS militants within the Horn of Africa nation.

ISIS has continued to expand bases in Puntland but the recent operation dubbed Lightening has helped dislodge them from strategic locations in the Cal-Miskaad mountains. Puntland says its forces and partners have made significant gains in the war.

GAROWE ONLINE