The U.S. military conducted airstrikes against Islamic State operatives in Somalia for the first time during President Donald Trump’s second term, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The strikes, coordinated with Somalia’s government, were directed by Trump and resulted in the deaths of multiple operatives. Trump claimed on social media that a senior IS planner and recruits were targeted, with no civilian casualties reported. The operation was praised by Somalia’s president for strengthening the security partnership between the two countries.
The Pentagon’s counterterrorism strategy in Africa has faced challenges, with key partners Chad and Niger ousting U.S. forces last year. IS cells in Africa have received increased direction from the group’s leadership in northern Somalia, focusing on tactics like kidnapping Westerners for ransom, military tactics, and evading drones. The IS affiliate in Somalia, a breakaway faction from al-Shabab, is active in Puntland and involved in attacks in southern and central Somalia.
Despite facing pressure from Somali security forces, U.S. airstrikes, and rivalries with al-Shabab, IS in Somalia continues to operate and expand its influence through recruitment and propaganda. The group, estimated to have hundreds of militants, funds its activities through extortion, smuggling, and illicit taxation. The recent airstrikes in Somalia followed a similar operation in northwest Syria targeting a senior operative in an al-Qaeda affiliate.
Source
Note: The image is for illustrative purposes only and is not the original image of the presented article.
