Sebastian Gorka, the senior director for counterterrorism, provided additional details about the airstrikes conducted on February 1st targeting Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Somalia’s northeastern region of Puntland.
According to Gorka, the U.S. government had been monitoring a cave complex in northern Somalia that was being used by ISIS for years.
However, he noted that the previous administration had declined to take action against it.
Gorka emphasized that the threat posed by global jihadist groups has grown significantly, despite a reduction in resources dedicated to counterterrorism efforts.
This statement underscores the ongoing challenge of addressing the evolving tactics and operations of extremist organizations like ISIS, particularly in regions such as Somalia, where they have established footholds.
The airstrikes in Puntland reflect a continued U.S. commitment to targeting ISIS affiliates in areas where they pose a threat to regional and global security.