The volume of U.S. airstrikes targeting jihadi terrorists in Somalia has risen over ten times during the Trump administration this year, compared to the operations conducted under Biden in 2024.
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed to Fox News Digital on Friday that it conducted 10 airstrikes in 2024, and that so far this year, it has carried out more than 100 airstrikes in Somalia.
The most recent strike near Bossaso targeted ISIS-Somalia. Local sources report that up to 10 militants were killed, and a possible senior leader may have been eliminated, with no U.S. casualties reported.
AFRICOM says 59 strikes focused on ISIS-Somalia and were coordinated with Somalia’s government, while denying any U.S. ground operations. A Chatham House analyst warns that the ISIS focus in Puntland may aid al-Shabab’s resurgence amid Somalia’s fragmented politics.
The DX Brief
- AFRICOM has conducted 101 Somalia airstrikes in 2025, 59 targeting ISIS-Somalia
- Latest strike ~66 km southeast of Bossaso; local reports of up to 10 militants killed and a high-value target hit
- Operations coordinated with Somalia’s federal government; U.S. denies any ground deployment despite local claims
- Analyst warns focus on ISIS could enable al-Shabab’s reconsolidation amid political fragmentation; no U.S. casualties reported
Read the full article at Fox News
