MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. military executed precision airstrikes in northeastern Somalia’s Puntland state on Saturday, targeting a high-ranking ISIS attack planner and a network of militants under his command, as part of sustained counterterrorism operations aimed at dismantling the group’s operational infrastructure in the region.
“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 said in a statement on X.
“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!.”
President Trump underscored that the operation delivers a resolute message to ISIS and other adversaries targeting Americans: the U.S. will pursue and neutralize threats to its citizens with unwavering determination, regardless of their location.
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, whose government has voiced concerns over a potential U.S. troop withdrawal under the Trump administration, confirmed he was briefed on the strike and lauded the continued U.S. support in combating insurgent groups destabilizing the country.
“This latest operation reinforces the strong security partnership between Somalia and the United States in combating extremist threats. Somalia remains resolute in working with its allies to eliminate international terrorism and ensure regional stability,” he added in a statement on X.
Puntland authorities, who have been waging a weeks-long military campaign to dislodge ISIS from its entrenched positions in the Gollis Mountains near the coastal town of Bosaso, reported that the U.S. strike eliminated senior members of the group. However, specific identities and the exact number of casualties remain unconfirmed at this stage.
