US Airstrikes Target Militants in Somalia Following Trump’s Order

Puntland's military has reportedly killed 85 Islamic State (IS) fighters and seized 50 bases during an ongoing offensive aimed at combating the terrorist group's growing presence in Somalia. The operation, known as the "Hilac Campaign," has been underway for several weeks following extensive preparations by Puntland forces. According to officials and Reuters, the campaign was initiated after a series of US airstrikes targeted IS factions in the region. Puntland commanders claim that over 150 militants have been killed since the campaign began, signifying a significant blow to IS, which has strengthened its foothold in parts of Somalia. The Puntland administration seeks to enhance international support for its operations against the IS, anticipating that these military successes may attract more aid and resources. The central government's goal is to stabilize the region amid increasing threats from militant groups. The progress made by Puntland forces marks a crucial development in the fight against terrorism in the Horn of Africa, with efforts ongoing to eliminate IS's influence.

Puntland forces have reportedly killed over 150 Islamic State militants during a significant military offensive in the semi-autonomous region of Somalia. The offensive, dubbed the “Hilac Campaign,” has seen Puntland troops capture approximately 50 bases previously held by the extremist group, according to local officials and Reuters. The military action comes in the wake of increased attention on the Islamic State's activities in Somalia, which has been marked by U.S. airstrikes targeting IS positions. Puntland officials stated that their ongoing campaign aims to diminish the strength of IS in the region and draw international support for their efforts. The offensive, initiated last month after extensive preparations, follows a series of violent confrontations that heightened concerns about the group's growing influence in the area. Puntland's military strategy is focused on not only reclaiming lost territory but also on disrupting IS operations and enhancing regional security.

The U.S. military has executed airstrikes targeting Islamic State (IS) operatives in Somalia, marking the first such operations under President Donald Trump's second term, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The strikes, coordinated with the Somali government, aimed to eliminate multiple IS operatives, with initial Pentagon assessments indicating no civilian casualties occurred. Trump, in a social media post, claimed the strikes were directed at a senior IS planner and noted the destruction of IS hideouts. He emphasized a renewed commitment to counterterrorism, boasting, “We WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!” The attack follows a recent rise in IS activity in Somalia, where they have been linked to kidnappings and extortion efforts. Reports from the International Crisis Group estimate that hundreds of IS militants remain active in Somalia, particularly in the Puntland region, despite ongoing counterterrorism efforts from U.S. forces and Somali security. The airstrikes are part of a broader strategy to suppress terrorism in the region, which has seen increased collaboration among various terror factions since their emergence in 2015.