The Somali government and the U.S. military announced joint airstrikes targeting ISIS positions in the Puntland region of northern Somalia, located in the Horn of Africa.
According to Agence France-Presse, experts noted that ISIS has a relatively limited presence in Somalia compared to Al-Shabaab, which is linked to Al-Qaeda. However, ISIS activities in the region are increasing.
The Somali government stated that a coordinated operation led by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) alongside the federal government targeted "known hideouts of ISIS terrorists" in the Golis Mountains in the semi-autonomous Puntland region.
A brief statement noted that the strikes were conducted on Tuesday night, and preliminary reports indicate the killing of "many ISIS fighters, with no civilian casualties reported." Additional details were not provided.
The statement highlighted that the strikes are part of a broader "counterterrorism" operation currently being carried out by local forces in the Al-Miskad Mountains.
AFRICOM later confirmed the airstrikes, stating that several ISIS members were killed without any harm to civilians. AFRICOM emphasized that the terrorist organization "has demonstrated its intent and ability to attack the U.S. and its partner forces," adding that "the group's malicious efforts threaten U.S. security interests."
In December 2024, Puntland authorities launched an offensive against ISIS with American support. In February, the Puntland government announced that U.S. airstrikes on the Golis Mountains resulted in the death of "key leaders" within ISIS.