The U.S. military has carried out airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) operatives in Somalia, marking the first such action in the country since President Donald Trump’s return to office.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed Saturday that the strikes, conducted by U.S. Africa Command, were personally directed by Trump and coordinated with Somalia’s government. According to an initial Pentagon assessment, multiple IS operatives were killed, with no civilian casualties reported.
Trump took to social media to emphasize the mission’s success, stating that a senior IS planner and recruits were targeted. “The strikes destroyed the caves they live in and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians.
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!” Trump wrote. He warned terrorist groups that “WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!”
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s office praised the operation, calling it a testament to the strong security partnership between the U.S. and Somalia in combating extremist threats. In a post on X, Somalia’s government reaffirmed its commitment to working with allies to eliminate terrorism and ensure regional stability.
These airstrikes come as the U.S. military faces growing challenges in Africa, particularly after losing access to key bases in Chad and Niger, which had been crucial for counterterrorism operations in the Sahel region.
Military officials have warned that IS cells in northern Somalia have been receiving increased direction from the group’s leadership, including training on kidnapping, military tactics, evading drones, and constructing small quadcopters.
