U.S. forces conducted airstrikes in Somalia on Saturday, targeting a senior Islamic State attack planner and other members of the militant group, President Donald Trump announced.
“These killers, who we found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and our allies,” Trump stated on Truth Social. “The strikes destroyed their hideouts and eliminated many terrorists without harming civilians in any way.”
The airstrikes took place in the Golis Mountains, with an initial assessment indicating that several militants were killed, according to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. He confirmed that no civilians were harmed in the operation. However, Reuters was unable to independently verify these details.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was briefed on the strike and later expressed his appreciation for U.S. support in counterterrorism efforts. “Your bold and decisive leadership, Mr. President, in counterterrorism efforts is highly valued and welcomed in Somalia,” he wrote on X.
Mohamud Aidid Dirir, the information minister for Puntland state, confirmed that the U.S. attack targeted Islamic State bases in the Cal Miskaad Mountains, part of the Golis range. “The number of casualties is still unknown as it was dark, but our forces on the frontline could hear the sound of explosions,” he told Reuters.
Hegseth emphasized that the operation weakened Islamic State’s capacity to plan and execute attacks against the U.S., its partners, and civilians. “This sends a clear signal that the United States remains committed to locating and eliminating terrorists who pose a threat to our country and our allies,” he said.
The United States has carried out periodic airstrikes in Somalia for years under both Republican and Democratic administrations.
