Trump Orders Air Strikes Against Islamic State in Somalia

In a recent statement, Donald Trump confirmed the US air strikes targeting senior members of the Islamic State group in Somalia, emphasizing their threat to American and allied interests.

Former President Donald Trump has officially announced the launch of military air strikes targeting Islamic State (IS) operatives in Somalia, claiming the strikes were aimed at a senior attack planner among others. In a social media post, Trump asserted that "These killers, who we found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and our Allies," highlighting a commitment to combating terrorism. The strike, as stated, successfully destroyed the caves used by the terrorists and reportedly resulted in the deaths of numerous operatives without harming civilians.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia expressed gratitude for the United States’ ongoing support in the fight against international terrorism, affirming the strong security cooperation between the two nations. The air strikes, carried out in the Golis mountains region of north-east Somalia, were described by US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth as significantly degrading IS's capacity to execute terrorist operations.

While the official record remains unverified regarding casualties, the Puntland government applauded the strikes which reportedly eliminated high-ranking figures within IS. The group, establishing its Somali branch in 2015, has primarily conducted small-scale attacks while maintaining a notorious reputation for extorting local communities.

Interestingly, Trump's announcement comes on the heels of criticism directed towards the previous administration, alleging that action against the targeted IS planner was delayed under President Joe Biden. It was noted that Biden had previously initiated an operation that resulted in the death of IS leader Bilal al-Sudani in 2023.

Historically, Trump has adjusted US military presence in Somalia, advocating for a reduced involvement during his initial term in office. However, with the shifting focus of US foreign policy on containing threats from both al-Shabab and IS in Africa, ongoing military operations may be re-evaluated as geopolitical dynamics evolve. Under Trump's renewed leadership, Africa appears to be framed as a zone of competitive influence, amidst increasing involvement from adversaries such as China and Russia.