Somalia News

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 United States launched airstrikes in Somalia aimed at targeting militant groups, an action reportedly ordered by former President Donald Trump. The strikes are intended to disrupt operations of Al-Shabaab, an affiliate of Al-Qaeda that has been active in the region. According to military officials, the operation successfully targeted key positions held by the group, contributing to ongoing efforts to stabilize the area and support the Somali government. The U.S. has maintained a military presence in the Horn of Africa to combat extremism, frequently conducting drone strikes to eliminate threats. The airstrikes follow a period of heightened violence in Somalia, where Al-Shabaab continues to carry out attacks against government facilities and civilians. In response to the increasing threat, the U.S. has reiterated its commitment to work alongside Somali forces to enhance security and assist in the fight against terrorism. While the details of the strikes remain classified, officials emphasized that the operation was conducted with the utmost consideration for civilian safety.

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.

A U.S. airstrike targeting Islamic State positions in northern Somalia resulted in the deaths of at least 46 militants, according to local authorities. General Mohamed Ahmed, a military spokesperson for the semi-autonomous Puntland region, reported that among the deceased were 12 foreign fighters, primarily from Arab nations. He indicated that the attack, which took place on Saturday, significantly impacted local terrorist operations. The airstrike was reportedly ordered by former U.S. President Donald Trump amidst escalating violence in Somalia. Although the figures provided by Puntland officials could not be independently verified, they underscore the ongoing challenges the U.S. and Somali forces face in combating extremism in the region. As conflicts intensify, both local and foreign fighters continue to pose substantial security threats. The situation in Somalia remains precarious as efforts to stabilize the region continue against a backdrop of significant militant activity.

The United States military has launched airstrikes against positions of the Islamic State (ISIS) in Somalia, resulting in multiple terrorist fatalities, according to President Donald Trump. The attacks were aimed at ISIS fighters hiding in caves in the Golis Mountains, located in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland in northern Somalia. Trump announced the strikes via social media platform X, emphasizing the military’s ongoing efforts to eliminate threats posed by ISIS and other terrorist groups. He referred to the targeted individual as a planner of attacks who had long been monitored by the US military, describing him as a significant threat to the US and its allies. The specific identity of the target, however, was not disclosed. Over recent years, the region has experienced clashes between ISIS and the Al Shabaab militant group as both vie for dominance. Somalia has faced persistent challenges from Islamist factions conducting terrorist activities both within the country and in neighboring nations. Reports indicate that Somali security forces had previously initiated an offensive against ISIS earlier this year.

Somaliland, a self-declared independent nation in the Horn of Africa, is seeking international recognition while facing serious accusations of human rights abuses. Despite its claims of stability and democratic governance, reports highlight significant restrictions on freedoms, particularly regarding religion and sexual orientation. Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has argued it meets the essential criteria for statehood, including a permanent population and functioning government. While the international community has largely withheld recognition, speculation has emerged regarding potential support from the upcoming Trump administration, driven by Somaliland's strategic location. However, the region's appeal for legitimacy is jeopardized by ongoing human rights violations. A notable concern is the treatment of religious minorities and the criminalization of homosexuality, which could hinder its acknowledgement by Western democracies. The Somaliland Constitution, influenced by Sharia law, restricts religious freedoms, while LGBTQ+ individuals face imprisonment and social stigmatization. Recent developments have intensified the debate over Somaliland's independence, splitting public opinion among various clans and political factions. The predominantly Isaaq clan supports independence, while other groups express reservations, viewing it as a threat to Somalia’s integrity. Human rights advocates urge the Somaliland government to address these violations to bolster its recognition efforts. The administration, led by President Abdirahman Irro, is under increasing pressure to reform and protect individual rights, as potential international support hinges on its commitment to ending discrimination and oppression.

Many residents of Somaliland are optimistic that the United States may soon recognize their self-declared republic under the presidency of Donald Trump. Somaliland has functioned as a de facto nation-state since declaring independence from Somalia 33 years ago amid civil war. University student Aisha Ismail expressed her enthusiasm, stating, "Donald is our saviour," while others in Somalia remain skeptical about this potential recognition. Influential Republicans are advocating for acknowledgment of Somaliland, including Congressman Scott Perry, who recently introduced a bill for formal recognition. This follows a roadmap for Trump's second term revealing that Somaliland and Djibouti are significant to U.S. interests in the region, though it notes that African issues are not high on the administration's agenda. Critics, such as Somalia's State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Ali Omar Balcad, argue that recognition would undermine Somalia's sovereignty and destabilize the region. Concerns over U.S. troop withdrawal from Somalia, especially in light of ongoing threats from terrorist groups like al-Shabab, add another layer of complexity to this issue. While Somaliland’s Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan views potential recognition as a transactional opportunity, experts highlight that Trump's administration could prioritize U.S. interests over other concerns. The future of U.S.-Somaliland relations remains uncertain, but significant shifts in policy are anticipated as the world watches the evolving dynamics in the Horn of Africa.

Somalia and Ethiopia have officially agreed to restore diplomatic relations, following a significant thaw in their ties after a year-long dispute. This development comes on the heels of Somalia's severance of relations over an access agreement that Ethiopia signed with the separatist region of Somaliland. The joint declaration was made after an unanticipated visit from Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud to Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa. Both nations have committed to enhancing bilateral relations through the establishment of full diplomatic representation in their respective capitals. Ethiopia's state minister for foreign affairs described the agreement as a "big milestone forward" for the relationship between the two countries. The fractured relations stemmed from a controversial memorandum Ethiopia signed with Somaliland earlier this year, which Somalia perceived as a threat to its territorial integrity. The memorandum allegedly included terms for Ethiopia to secure port access in exchange for recognizing Somaliland's independence—a claim not acknowledged by Somalia or the international community. The diplomatic fallout had led to heightened tensions and the potential risk of undermining security cooperation against the militant group al-Shabaab in Somalia, where Ethiopian forces play a crucial role in peacekeeping operations. Despite prior plans to reconsider Ethiopian troop presence in Somalia, officials from both countries have indicated a willingness to resolve their differences through dialogue. Discussions for reconciliation were reportedly facilitated by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, who hosted negotiations that resulted in a declaration aimed at addressing shared concerns. The recent engagement indicates a shift towards normalization, with further talks planned between the leaders to solidify cooperation in various spheres.

Abdul Qadir Mumin, a Somali national, has emerged as a key figure in the Islamic State's global operations, potentially overseeing the jihadist group’s activities from Somalia. Analysts describe Mumin, who has transitioned from a radical preacher in Europe to a prominent jihadist leader, as possessing substantial influence within the organization, despite lacking the formal title of caliph. Born in Puntland, Somalia, and having lived in Sweden and England, Mumin is known for his distinctive orange henna-dyed beard and has maintained a low profile while reportedly controlling IS's general directorate of provinces. His financial network spans multiple countries, directing funds to affiliates and insurgent groups in regions such as the Democratic Republic of Congo and Mozambique. Mumin's role has become more significant as many leaders of the Islamic State have been targeted and killed, leaving him as one of the few senior figures to have survived. He is believed to provide resources and recruits, enhancing the group's operational capabilities in Africa. While there are debates about his qualifications to be the caliph, the shifting dynamics within IS indicate a strategic tilt towards African territories, reflecting on the organization's broader goals in an evolving geopolitical landscape. Many analysts agree that Mumin’s leadership, although unconventional, highlights the ongoing adaptation of extremist groups in response to global pressures.