U.S. Airstrike in Puntland, Somalia Targets and Neutralizes ISIS Militants

MOGADISHU, Somalia - In an operation conducted on May 31, 2024, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, carried out an airstrike targeting ISIS militants in a remote area near Dhaardaar, approximately 81 km southeast of Bosaso in Puntland, Somalia. The operation resulted in the deaths of three ISIS militants, with no reported civilian casualties.

The airstrike was part of ongoing efforts to combat the threat posed by extremist groups in the region, particularly ISIS, which has been active in Somalia since a faction of Al-Shabaab militants defected and pledged allegiance to the Islamic State leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi in October 2015. This group, known as ISIS-Somalia, has been led by Abdul Qadir Mumin, a former Al-Shabaab cleric, and has conducted numerous brutal attacks in the region, including targeted assassinations, suicide bombings, and assaults on security forces and civilians.

The successful operation underscores the commitment of the U.S. military and its allies to maintaining security and stability in the region. The U.S. Africa Command has been actively engaged in counterterrorism efforts in Somalia, working alongside local forces to combat extremist groups and promote peace in the conflict-affected areas.

The operation in Dhaardaar is just one example of the ongoing efforts by the U.S. military and its allies to combat extremism and promote stability in the region. The airstrike serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by extremist groups and the importance of international cooperation in combating these threats.

In a statement, AFRICOM highlighted the importance of these operations in preventing ISIS from planning and conducting attacks that disproportionately harm civilians. The command, headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany, alongside its partners, continues to take action to promote a more secure and stable Africa by countering malign actors and international threats, responding to crises, and strengthening security forces.

The successful airstrike in Puntland is a significant blow to ISIS militants operating in Somalia, and it underscores the importance of international cooperation in the fight against terrorism. By targeting and neutralizing key militant figures, these operations play a crucial role in safeguarding the lives of innocent civilians and promoting peace in conflict-affected areas.

As the fight against extremist groups in Somalia continues, the international community remains committed to supporting local efforts to combat terrorism and promote stability. The airstrike in Dhaardaar comes days after Puntland rejected FGS claims that it conducted an airstrike in the Bari region.

GAROWE ONLINE