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Trump Orders U.S. Airstrikes Against Islamic State in Somalia

President Donald Trump has announced that U.S. military forces carried out airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) operatives in Somalia. The strikes, coordinated with the Somali government, targeted IS planners and recruits, with an initial assessment indicating multiple casualties among militants. This marks the first U.S. military operation in Somalia under Trump’s second term and underscores his administration’s continued focus on counterterrorism efforts.

Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth testifies during his Senate Armed Services confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill on Jan. 14, 2025 in Washington, D.C. | Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

U.S. Conducts Airstrikes Against Islamic State in Somalia

First Military Strikes in Somalia Under Trump’s Second Term

The U.S. military has conducted its first coordinated airstrikes in Somalia since President Donald Trump returned to office. The operation, directed by Trump and executed by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), was carried out in coordination with Somalia’s government.

Target: Islamic State Operatives

According to an initial Pentagon assessment, multiple IS operatives were killed in the strikes. However, Trump did not specify whether the primary target, an IS planner, was among the casualties. He emphasized that no civilians were harmed in the attack.

Trump’s Statement on the Operation

Trump announced the airstrikes via social media, stating:

“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!”

He further declared:

“The message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!”

U.S. Military Strategy Against IS in Somalia

The U.S. military has warned that IS cells in Somalia have been receiving increased support from leadership in northern Somalia. These cells have been training militants in military tactics, ransom kidnappings, and drone evasion techniques.

A previous U.S. airstrike in Somalia in May 2024 targeted IS fighters and resulted in three militant deaths. Intelligence reports estimate that IS has several hundred fighters operating primarily in the Cal Miskaat mountains of Puntland’s Bari region.

Growing U.S. Focus on African Militancy

The Trump administration’s decision to launch these airstrikes signals a continued commitment to counterterrorism operations. U.S. officials will likely continue monitoring the situation in Somalia, assessing the effectiveness of the strikes, and considering future actions against IS-affiliated groups.

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