Trump says US forces eliminated IS terrorists hiding in caves in Somalia
The US has periodically conducted airstrikes in Somalia under both Republican and Democratic administrations.
United States President Donald Trump has revealed that US forces carried out airstrikes in Somalia on Saturday, targeting a senior Islamic State (IS) attack planner and other members of the militant group, killing many of them.
The airstrikes took place in the Golis Mountains, and initial reports suggest a significant number of militants were killed.
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“These killers, who we found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and our allies,” Trump said in a post on Truth Social.
“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! The message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that “WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!”
According to Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth, no civilians were harmed, although Reuters could not independently verify the details.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed his gratitude for the US support in the fight against terrorism.
Security partnership
He noted that the operation “reinforces the strong security partnership” between the two countries in “combating extremist threat”.
“Your bold and decisive leadership, Mr President, in counterterrorism efforts is highly valued and welcomed in Somalia,” Hassan wrote on X.
“Somalia remains resolute in working with its allies to eliminate international terrorism and ensure regional stability.”
Mohamud Aidid Dirir, the information minister for Puntland, confirmed that the strikes targeted IS bases in the Cal Miskaad Mountains, part of the Golis range.
While the number of casualties remained unclear, Mohamud noted that frontline forces heard explosions during the night-time operation.
Hegseth said the airstrikes disrupted IS’s ability to plot and carry out attacks threatening the United States and its allies.
“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,” he stated.
The US has periodically conducted airstrikes in Somalia under both Republican and Democratic administrations.
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