The U.S. military has carried out coordinated airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) operatives in Somalia, marking the first such operation in the African nation during President Donald Trump’s second term. The strikes, authorized by Trump and executed by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), targeted senior IS planners and recruits, according to a statement from the Pentagon.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the operation on Saturday, emphasizing that the strikes were conducted in coordination with the Somali government. Initial assessments indicate that “multiple” IS operatives were killed, with no reported civilian casualties.
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“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. The strikes destroyed the caves they live in, and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians,” President Trump said in a social media post following the operation. “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 did not disclose the identity of the senior IS planner targeted in the strikes or confirm whether the individual was killed. However, he issued a stark warning to terrorist groups: “The message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that ‘WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!’”
The airstrikes represent a significant escalation in the U.S. campaign against IS affiliates in Somalia, where the group has sought to establish a foothold amid ongoing instability. While the U.S. has previously conducted operations against al-Shabaab, an al-Qaeda-linked militant group, this marks a renewed focus on IS operatives in the region.
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The Pentagon emphasized that the operation was carried out in close collaboration with Somalia’s federal government, reflecting a commitment to supporting regional partners in combating terrorism. “These strikes demonstrate the United States’ unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorist threats in Somalia and ensuring the safety of our allies and interests in the region,” Defense Secretary Hegseth said.
Somalia has been a focal point of U.S. counterterrorism efforts for years, with AFRICOM conducting periodic airstrikes and providing training and support to Somali forces. The latest operation underscores the Trump administration’s continued focus on preemptive action against terrorist networks.
The strikes come amid a broader shift in U.S. counterterrorism strategy under Trump’s second term, characterized by a more aggressive approach to targeting high-value terrorist operatives. The operation also highlights the administration’s willingness to act decisively in regions where terrorist groups pose a direct threat to U.S. interests.
While the Biden administration had maintained a presence in Somalia, critics, including Trump, have argued that its approach was overly cautious. Saturday’s operation signals a return to the proactive tactics that defined Trump’s first term, including the 2019 operation that resulted in the death of IS leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.
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The airstrikes have drawn praise from national security experts and lawmakers who have long advocated for a more robust response to IS activities in Africa. “This operation sends a clear message that the United States will not tolerate terrorist threats, no matter where they emerge,” said Senator Tom Cotton (R-AR), a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee.
However, some analysts have cautioned that while targeted strikes can disrupt terrorist operations, a comprehensive strategy addressing the root causes of extremism in Somalia remains critical. “Military action alone is not enough,” said Katherine Zimmerman, a fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. “We must also support governance and development efforts to prevent the resurgence of terrorist groups.”
As the U.S. continues its counterterrorism efforts in Somalia, the latest airstrikes underscore the Trump administration’s commitment to maintaining pressure on IS and other extremist organizations. With no reported civilian casualties, the operation also reflects the precision and care taken to minimize collateral damage.
The Pentagon has pledged to provide further updates as additional information becomes available. For now, the message to terrorist groups is clear: the United States remains vigilant and ready to act decisively to protect its citizens and allies.
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