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.
More To Read
- Somalia’s NCC meeting opens without Puntland, Jubbaland as reforms top agenda
- Taiwan says Somalia bans entry to its citizens amid Somaliland dispute
- AU mission in Somalia to increase troop size to 8,000 to counter Al-Shabaab
- AU urgently seeks $190 million to sustain Somalia peace mission in 2025
- Regional leaders order joint plan to eliminate Al-Shabaab, back stronger AUSSOM presence
- Somalia and AU call for sustainable support to AUSSOM peacekeeping mission
“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.
Top Stories Today
- Who is Robert Prevost, the new pope?
- Cardinal Robert Prevost elected as Pope Leo XIV
- Who is Erastus Edung Ethekon? Ruto’s nominee for IEBC Chairperson
- Police obstruction, ODPP inaction frustrate efforts to punish killer cops - IPOA
- HELB streamlines loan repayments for both local and overseas borrowers
- More Kenyans disappeared during anti-riot operations than during anti-terror operations
- Over 5,000 number plates ready for collection - NTSA
- Kasipul MP Were murder case: Suspects to their know fate on Friday
- Concerns raised over DPP's handling of Baby Pendo's murder case
- White smoke appears from chimney of Sistine Chapel, signals new pope elected
- Ruto nominates Erastus Ethekon as IEBC chairperson
- Kasipul MP’s bodyguard, driver spoke and held meetings with suspects before murder
- DCI arrests 28 suspects, recovers 22 stolen vehicles across 11 counties
- Security, polls dominate Somalia's National Consultative Council meeting
- Were murder probe: Detectives trace suspicious call to MP's bodyguard
- "Joel touched many lives," Family, friends pay tribute to MCA Munuve
- Kenyan elite security team kill Al-Shabaab terrorist in Garissa
- Storekeeper of notorious Malindi drug cartel arrested
- UN, IGAD and EU condemn drone strikes on Port Sudan
- State pays Sh2.8 billion for wildlife attack claims
