President Trump released footage of U.S. airstrikes against ISIS militants in Somalia’s Puntland, highlighting strikes targeting key leaders. The airstrikes, conducted by FA-18 Super Hornets, aimed to eliminate senior ISIS figures without civilian casualties. The Somali government praised the operation as critical in their fight against terrorism. Reports indicate significant casualties among ISIS fighters after the airstrikes.
President Donald Trump recently released a 40-second video showcasing U.S. airstrikes against ISIS militants in Somalia’s Puntland region. Following his announcement of these operations, Trump labeled the footage as ‘unclassified’ and shared it on his X account. The video highlights at least seven strikes targeting caves used by ISIS, demonstrating the precision of U.S. military capabilities in the region.
The airstrikes, executed by FA-18 Super Hornets from the USS Harry S. Truman, aimed at a senior ISIS attack planner and associated fighters. Trump stated, “These killers… threatened the United States and our Allies,” emphasizing the strikes’ effectiveness in eliminating terrorist threats without harming civilians. The focus of the strikes included ten locations in the Golis mountain area, specifically Cal-Miskaad, as confirmed by a regional commander.
Though President Trump did not specify which ISIS leader was targeted, reports suggest that Abdikadir Mumin was a primary objective, alongside his aide Abdirahman Fahiye. Past airstrikes had also aimed at Mumin, who notoriously survived a previous attack in May 2024. The U.S. military operations have reportedly resulted in at least 46 ISIS fighters being killed, including foreigners, while the fate of Mumin and Fahiye remains uncertain.
The Somali government praised the airstrikes as a crucial move in combating terrorism. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who called for U.S. support in the fight, commended the joint efforts against ISIS. In related developments, Abdirahman Shirwa Aw Siciid (Lahoor), a senior ISIS commander, surrendered to Puntland security forces amid ongoing operations and airstrikes targeting ISIS positions in the region.
The U.S. military has conducted airstrikes against ISIS in Somalia, focusing on the Puntland region which serves as a stronghold for terrorist activities. These actions are part of a broader counterterrorism strategy aimed at destabilizing ISIS operations in the area. The context of these airstrikes includes a history of failed missions against leaders such as Abdikadir Mumin, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in the region’s security. The Somali government has reached out for assistance against increasing threats from ISIS and Al-Shabaab, illustrating a crucial partnership with the U.S. to enhance local security capabilities. The U.S. Africa Command plays a pivotal role in training and equipping Somali forces, although reported tensions hinder collaboration in Puntland’s ongoing efforts against terrorism.
In summary, the recent U.S. airstrikes in Somalia mark a significant escalation in efforts to combat ISIS within the Puntland region. Targeting key militant leaders demonstrates the U.S.’s commitment to international security and counterterrorism. Nonetheless, the continued presence and survival of ISIS leaders raise questions about the effectiveness and future strategies of both U.S. and Somali forces in the region.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
