President Trump orders airstrikes against ISIS in Somalia, sending a strong message to terrorists worldwide.
At a Glance
- U.S. military conducts precision airstrikes against ISIS operatives in Somalia’s Golis Mountains
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reports multiple operatives killed with no civilian casualties
- Operation aims to degrade ISIS’s ability to conduct terrorist attacks against U.S. and allies
- Trump emphasizes aggressive stance against terrorism, criticizing previous administration’s approach
Trump’s Bold Move Against ISIS in Somalia
Taking action against global terrorism, President Donald Trump has ordered airstrikes targeting ISIS operatives in Somalia – but it carries the risk of a wider conflict.
The operation, carried out by the U.S. Africa Command, focused on insurgents believed to be hiding in cave networks in the Golis Mountains. This marks the first major U.S. military operation overseas since Trump’s presidency began, demonstrating his administration’s commitment to proactive counterterrorism measures.
The airstrikes involved Navy and Air Force warplanes, including F/A-18 fighter jets from the aircraft carrier Harry S. Truman in the Red Sea. The operation targeted key ISIL figures, including a senior attack planner, aiming to disrupt the terrorist group’s ability to threaten U.S. citizens, partners, and civilians.
Trump Orders Airstrikes on ISIS Leaders in Somalia, Escalating Counterterrorism Efforts
https://t.co/6lDRcbAXMj— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) February 1, 2025
Effectiveness and Precision of the Operation
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth provided an initial assessment of the operation’s success.
“Our initial assessment is that multiple operatives were killed in the airstrikes and no civilians were harmed,” Hegseth said in a statement. “This action further degrades ISIS’s ability to plot and conduct terrorist attacks threatening U.S. citizens, our partners, and innocent civilians and sends a clear signal that the United States always stands ready to find and eliminate terrorists who threaten the United States and our allies, even as we conduct robust border-protection and many other operations under President Trump’s leadership.”
The Somali government’s semiautonomous Puntland region confirmed the strikes’ effectiveness, stating that “key figures” of the ISIL group were eliminated. This operation is part of ongoing efforts by Puntland Security Forces against ISIL since December, demonstrating a coordinated approach between U.S. and Somali forces in combating terrorism.
President Trump took to social media to emphasize the success of the operation and his administration’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism.
“The message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that ‘WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!'” Trump declared, underscoring his administration’s aggressive stance against terrorist threats.
The President also criticized the previous administration for not acting quickly enough on counterterrorism, highlighting the contrast in approaches to national security. This operation signifies a more proactive and decisive strategy in dealing with terrorist threats, aligning with Trump’s campaign promises to prioritize American safety and interests.
While ISIL’s presence in Somalia is smaller compared to other terrorist groups like al-Shabab, U.S. military officials note that ISIS cells in the region have been receiving increased direction from the group’s leadership. The IS affiliate in Somalia emerged in 2015 as a breakaway faction from al-Shabab and is most active in Puntland, funding its activities through extortion, smuggling, and illicit taxation.
Is Trump making the right move?