Trump confirms multiple airstrikes against ISIS in Somalia

WASHINGON - American President Donald Trump confirmed multiple airstrikes against the ISIS militants in the Bari region of Somalia, noting that the bombardments targeted a senior 'planner' who has been on the run in deep caves within the mountainous areas of Puntland.

Without disclosing the identity of the planner, Trump said the airstrikes destroyed several caves killing 'many terrorists' in the process. No civilians were killed or armed during the operations on Saturday, he said in a tweet.

"This morning I ordered precision Military air strikes on the Senior ISIS Attack Planner and other terrorists he recruited and led in Somalia. These killers, who we found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and our Allies," Trump said in a shocking statement.

"The strikes destroyed the caves they live in, and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians," he added.

Traditionally, such announcement comes from the US Africa Command, which has bases in Djibouti and trains the Danab Special Forces of the Somali National Army (SNA). Trump blames his predecessor — Joe Biden, for failing to take action against ISIS militants in Somalia.

"Our military has targeted this ISIS Attack Planner for years, but Biden and his cronies wouldn’t act quickly enough to get the job done. I did! The message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that “WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU," he said.

Pete Hegseth, the Defence Secretary, said the airstrikes were undertaken by the US Africa Command following the order by President Trump, but the government of Somalia was in charge of coordination.

In its assessment, the Pentagon said multiple operatives were killed, adding that no civilians were injured. The statement corroborated Trump’s assessment.

Multiple sources confirmed to Garowe Online that approximately six airstrikes hit various locations in the Al-Miskaad mountains, causing significant impact, particularly in the Qurac, Buqo, Wangable, and Dhasaan areas. The strikes have been part of ongoing military operations targeting ISIS bases in the Bari region, officials said.

For the last one month, Puntland security forces, bolstered by support from local communities, have escalated their campaign against the Islamic State, launching what they describe as an all-out offensive against the IS-Somalia militants.

The operations aim to dismantle ISIS positions nestled in the rugged terrain, and authorities report significant territorial gains in their fight against the militants. Last year, the State Department raised concerns about the capabilities of the ISIS militants, terming them 'dangerous'.

While cautioning Somalia, the State Department warned that if actions are not taken, the group could expand territories in Somalia, consequently, affecting the fight against terrorism. In southern regions, Somalia is battling Al-Shabaab militants.

In 2021, Trump signed an executive order calling for the withdrawal of American troops from various parts of the world including Somalia. However, this move was reversed by Joe Biden upon intelligence briefs that Al-Shabaab was gaining ground in the country.

In an interview with the Washington Post, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud asked Trump to assist the country in the fight against terrorism, noting that 'we need your support in this war as we endeavour to stabilise Somalia'.

Trump’s direct involvement in Saturday's airstrikes showcases his commitment to assist the Horn of Africa nation in effectively fighting both Al-Shabaab and ISIS. America has close to 500 soldiers in Somalia whose primary duty is to train and equip local troops.

GAROWE ONLINE