US Launches First Airstrikes Against IS in Somalia Under Trump’s Second Term.
Oregon News
The United States has launched airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) fighters in Somalia, marking the first such military action under President Donald Trump’s second term. The strikes, ordered by Trump and executed in coordination with the Somali government, targeted IS operatives in the semi-autonomous Puntland region.
The Strikes
The airstrikes, conducted by the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), took place on Saturday, February 1, 2025. An initial Pentagon assessment indicated that multiple IS operatives were killed in the operation. The U.S. Department of Defence confirmed that there were no civilian casualties.
President Trump addressed the nation shortly after the strikes, stating:
“This morning I ordered precision military air strikes on the Senior ISIS Attack Planner and other terrorists he recruited and led in Somalia. These killers, who we found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and our Allies. The strikes destroyed the caves they live in and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians.”
Trump further criticized the previous administration, asserting that:
“Our Military has targeted this ISIS Attack Planner for years, but Biden and his cronies wouldn’t act quickly enough to get the job done. I did! The message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that ‘WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!’”
Strategic and Political Implications
The airstrikes signal the Trump administration’s renewed commitment to counterterrorism efforts in Africa. The IS presence in Puntland has been a growing concern, with militants using the rugged terrain to establish safe havens. The latest operation aligns with previous U.S. policies of targeting high-profile terrorist leaders to disrupt extremist networks.
The Somali government has welcomed U.S. support in its fight against IS and Al-Shabaab insurgents, viewing the latest airstrikes as a significant blow to terrorist activities in the region. Somali officials have emphasized the importance of continued cooperation with the U.S. to maintain regional stability and security.
Looking Ahead
The strikes in Puntland could mark the beginning of an intensified U.S. military campaign against IS in Africa. Given Trump’s assertive stance on counterterrorism, further operations may be expected in Somalia and other parts of the continent where extremist groups pose a threat.
While the Pentagon maintains that no civilians were harmed, human rights organizations and local officials may conduct independent assessments to verify the impact of the strikes. The broader geopolitical consequences of U.S. military actions in Somalia will be closely monitored by international observers.
As the Trump administration forges ahead with its military strategy, the world will be watching to see how these operations shape the ongoing fight against IS and other extremist factions in Africa.
