MOGADISHU, Somalia – The US Africa Command (AFRICOM) has escalated its military operations in Somalia, demonstrating enhanced efforts against Al-Shabaab and ISIS extremists while maintaining close coordination with security forces from Puntland and Jubbaland states.
The total number of airstrikes has reached 109, with recent operations in Puntland and Jubbaland targeting ISIS fighters in northern areas and Al-Shabaab militants in southern regions.
Multiple operations were carried out in Puntland between November 26-28, approximately 37 miles from Bosaso, Puntland’s commercial hub, targeting ISIS positions in the Al-Miskaad mountains.
On December 3, a separate strike targeted an Al-Shabaab location near Kobon in Jubbaland. The military command did not provide information about casualties or specifics regarding aircraft and weaponry utilized.
These actions follow a recent visit by General Dagvin Anderson, head of AFRICOM who during his trip assured of increased American military presence in the Horn of Africa nation.
The 2025 operations have exceeded the previous record set in 2019 when President Donald Trump authorized 63 airstrikes in Somalia, with a cumulative total of 219 during his first term. Now serving his second term, Trump has continued to personally approve missions against Islamic State elements in Somalia.
Comparatively, data from the U.S.-based New America Foundation indicates that President Joe Biden approved 51 strikes during his presidency, while President Barack Obama authorized 48 strikes during his eight years in office.
