Trump Releases Footage of US Airstrikes Against ISIS in Somalia's Puntland

WASHINGTON - Forty-eight hours after announcing US army airstrikes against ISIS militants in deep caves in northern Somalia, President Donald Trump released a forty-second (40 sec) footage highlighting the historic aerial bombardments against the group.

Trump, without giving many details, posted the footage on his X account (formerly Twitter), terming it 'unclassified'. He further labeled it 'US airstrikes on ISIS targets in Somalia' in one of the most unique confirmations from the American leader.

A close analysis of the footage shows the US Africa Command struck at least seven times as huge smoke bellowed from the caves in eastern Puntland, Bari region. The strikes came in quick succession, showcasing the precision of the US military.

President Donald Trump announced the precision strike Saturday on social media, describing the main target as a "Senior ISIS Attack Planner and other terrorists he recruited and led."

"These killers, who we found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and our Allies," Trump said. "The strikes destroyed the caves they live in, and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians."

General Adan Abdi Hashi, commander of the Puntland Devish Forces said the airstrikes targeted at least 10 locations of the Islamic State militants in the Cal-Miskaad area, which is part of the Golis mountains.

The airstrikes were carried out by FA-18 Super Hornets from the USS Harry S Truman according to a defense official, adding that it is located within the Red Sea. The US Africa Command has a huge base within Djibouti in the Horn of Africa.

Although Trump did not reveal the identity of the ISIS leader in question, multiple sources told Garowe Online that the ISIS global leader Abdikadir Mumin was the major target alongside a close aide identified as Abdirahman Fahiye.

While reports indicate that the airstrikes killed at least 46 ISIS fighters including foreigners, it is not clear if the two were caught in the caves where it is believed they were hiding. Last year, the US army targeted Mumin in the same vicinity and informed the public that he either 'died or was critically wounded'.

But reports later indicated Mumin had survived the May 2024 airstrike. Puntland forces have been pursuing the militants in Cal Miskaad mountains in recent weeks and senior regional officials had termed the crackdown a 'success' before Saturday's airstrike by the US. The United Arab Emirates has also been providing aerial surveillance.

The Somali government called Saturday's airstrikes by the U.S. "a critical step in our shared fight against terrorism." President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had pleaded with Trump to assist the country in the fight against terrorism.

Meanwhile, a senior ISIS commander, Abdirahman Shirwa Aw Siciid (Lahoor), surrendered to Puntland security forces in the Cal Miskaad mountains, near Qandala town.

Exclusive video footage shows Puntland forces accompanying Lahoor after his surrender, confirming his capture. This comes after Puntland forces seized key ISIS positions and launched heavy airstrikes on their hideouts.

The US Africa Command trains and equips the Danab Special Forces of the Somali National Army but this contingent has had minimal input in Puntland’s fight against ISIS and Al-Shabaab due to the strained relationship between Garowe and Mogadishu.

GAROWE ONLINE