- US airstrikes kill Islamic State militants in Somalia’s Golis Mountains.
- Senior attack planner among those killed, according to President Trump.
- Somali president praises US leadership in the fight against terrorism.
- Airstrike destroys Islamic State caves and bases, military officials confirm.
- No civilian casualties reported, according to both US and Somali officials.
On Saturday, US forces launched airstrikes in Somalia, targeting key members of the Islamic State, including a senior attack planner. The airstrikes, which occurred in the Golis Mountains, resulted in the deaths of many militants. President Donald Trump confirmed the strikes, noting that the terrorists had been hiding in caves and posed significant threats to the US and its allies.
“These killers, who we found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and our Allies,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social. He also emphasized that the operation did not harm any civilians. “The strikes destroyed the caves they live in, and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians,” Trump added.
Airstrikes Target Islamic State Bases in Golis Mountains
The airstrikes, which were confirmed by US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, targeted Islamic State bases in the Golis Mountain range. Initial assessments indicate that numerous militants were killed during the operation, which took place under the cover of darkness.
Hegseth stated that the airstrikes were crucial in degrading Islamic State’s ability to carry out attacks against the US, its partners, and civilians. “It sends a clear signal that the United States always stands ready to find and eliminate terrorists who threaten the United States and our allies,” Hegseth said.
The Somali government, which was informed of the airstrikes, expressed its gratitude for the US assistance. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud took to social media to thank the US for its “unwavering support” in the fight against terrorism.
“Your bold and decisive leadership, Mr. President, in counterterrorism efforts is highly valued and welcomed in Somalia,” Mohamud wrote on X.
Somali Government Acknowledges US Support
The US attack hit Islamic State bases in the Cal Miskaad Mountains, located in the Golis range. Mohamud Aidid Dirir, Puntland’s information minister, confirmed the strike’s location. While local forces heard explosions from the frontline, the exact number of casualties remains unclear due to the timing of the operation.
Although the final casualty count is still uncertain, both US and Somali officials confirmed that no civilians were affected. Secretary Hegseth also emphasized the precision of the strike, reiterating that the operation targeted only militant positions.
A Continued Counterterrorism Effort
The US has conducted periodic airstrikes in Somalia over the years, focusing on groups like al-Shabaab and the Islamic State. Both Republican and Democratic administrations have authorized these strikes to protect US interests and support regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
These recent strikes highlight the strong collaboration between the US and Somali governments in counterterrorism. Despite ongoing challenges with extremist groups, international support has played a critical role in Somalia’s fight for security and to reduce radicalism in the region.
The strikes in the Golis Mountains add another chapter to Somalia’s battle against terrorism. US military operations continue to weaken the Islamic State’s presence. With Somali officials and US forces working together, international cooperation remains crucial in addressing global security challenges, especially in Somalia.