U.S. Conducts Airstrike Against ISIS Fighters in Puntland’s Calmiskaad Mountains

BOSASO, Somalia — U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said Monday it conducted an airstrike targeting Islamic State fighters in Somalia’s Puntland State, as local forces continue a military campaign in the Calmiskaad Mountains.

In a statement, AFRICOM said the strike occurred approximately 37 miles (60 kilometers) southeast of the port city of Bosaso, in an area where ISIS militants are believed to be entrenched.

The command did not disclose any casualty figures or provide details on the extent of damage from the strike.

U.S. forces, in coordination with the Somali federal government, are supporting Puntland security units as they battle ISIS fighters in the rugged Calmiskaad Mountains, a strategic stronghold for the group in northern Somalia.

Monday’s airstrike marks the 81st U.S. strike in Somalia this year, surpassing the previous annual record of 63 strikes in 2019 under the Trump administration.

In addition to operations in Puntland, the United States has also carried out airstrikes in central and southern Somalia this year in support of ongoing federal efforts to defeat the al-Qaida-linked militant group al-Shabaab.

GAROWE ONLINE