U.S. Military Strikes Islamic State Operatives in Somalia, Targeting Key Planner

The U.S. military launched airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) operatives in Somalia on Saturday, marking the first such strikes in the country during President Donald Trump's second term. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the airstrikes were authorized by Trump and coordinated with the Somali government.

Initial reports from the Pentagon indicated that multiple IS operatives were killed in the operation, with no civilian casualties. The Pentagon stated that the airstrikes targeted a senior ISIS planner and recruits, destroying the caves where the operatives were located.

Trump praised the operation in a social media post, claiming that the U.S. military had successfully eliminated a senior ISIS attack planner. He also criticized the Biden administration for not acting swiftly enough to address the threat, stating, "We WILL find you, and WE WILL kill you!" Trump's statement reaffirmed his commitment to counterterrorism efforts, emphasizing that the military would continue targeting those who pose a threat to Americans.

Somalia-U.S. Operation Strengthens Security Partnership Amid Counterterrorism Efforts

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud's office expressed support for the recent U.S. airstrikes in Somalia, stating that the operation “reinforces the strong security partnership” between the two countries in the fight against extremist threats. In a post on social media, the office reiterated Somalia's commitment to working with allies to eliminate international terrorism and ensure regional stability.

The Pentagon’s counterterrorism strategy in Africa has faced challenges, particularly after key partners Chad and Niger ousted U.S. forces last year and took control of vital bases used by the U.S. military for training and conducting missions against terrorist groups in the Sahel region.

U.S. military officials have raised concerns over the growing influence of IS cells in northern Somalia, which have reportedly received increased direction from the group's leadership. The guidance includes strategies on kidnapping Westerners for ransom, improving military tactics, evading drones, and building small quadcopters. These developments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the U.S. in combating terrorism in Africa.

The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) operatives in Somalia, marking the first such action during President Donald Trump's second term. The strikes, which were directed by Trump and coordinated with Somalia's government, targeted a senior IS planner and recruits in the Galgala Mountains of Puntland. The Pentagon confirmed that multiple operatives were killed in the operation, with no reported civilian casualties. The operation underscores the strong security partnership between Somalia and the U.S. in combating extremist threats.

IS in Somalia, a breakaway faction from al-Shabab, has been active since 2015 and continues to operate in remote areas, primarily in Puntland. Despite facing military pressure, the group funds its activities through extortion and illicit taxation, while also seeking to expand its influence through recruitment and propaganda.

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