Bosaso, Somalia – The US Africa Command has ramped up airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia militants in northeastern Somalia, with strikes rising sharply in 2025 compared to just 10 for all of 2024.
To date, the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has executed 59 airstrikes against Islamic State militants in the Bari region, where they are now confined to the Al-Miskaad mountains. The operation began with Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces in December 2024.
Ahmed Soliman, a senior research fellow in the Africa Program at Chatham House, stated that the US aims to dismantle an emerging international terror network.
“The US focus on ISIS in Puntland stems partly from preventing another international ISIS haven and countering ISIS-Somalia’s recruitment of foreign fighters.”
AFRICOM confirmed conducting 10 airstrikes in 2024 and over 100 in Somalia this year, totaling 101 strikes against both ISIS and Al-Shabaab.
In the most recent action on Tuesday, AFRICOM carried out an airstrike and a four-hour gun battle with ISIS-Somalia jihadists in Puntland, northern Somalia. The operation occurred in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia.
Local reports indicate high-value ISIS targets were struck, including a senior terror leader possibly killed or captured, along with up to 10 terrorists. No US casualties were reported.
This strike continues a series of missions across Somalia targeting jihadist groups, mainly ISIS-Somalia and Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab.
An AFRICOM spokesperson noted the airstrike happened about 66 km southeast of Bosaso. Overall, 101 airstrikes have been completed in Somalia, 59 specifically against ISIS-Somalia. In partnership with the Federal Government of Somalia, efforts persist to weaken ISIS-Somalia and Al-Shabaab’s capacity to threaten the US homeland, forces, and citizens overseas.
Local accounts describe US MQ-9 Reaper drones firing missiles at terrorists near a large cave, followed by an assault from 10 helicopters, with claims of US troops landing.
US officials rejected reports of American ground forces, emphasizing no such operation took place and calling the claims inaccurate. AFRICOM’s statement added that details on units and assets remain undisclosed for operational security.
In August, AFRICOM reported multiple airstrikes on ISIS fighters. Commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson affirmed these actions underscore commitment to protecting Americans and partners from global terrorism, targeting a group intent on exporting terror to the US and allies.