Trump Orders Air Strikes on Islamic State in Somalia
Donald Trump has confirmed he ordered military air strikes on a senior attack planner and other members of the Islamic State (IS) group in Somalia. These air strikes were aimed at dismantling the terrorist network that has been causing havoc in the region and threatening global security.
The former president stated that these individuals, who were found hiding in caves, posed a serious threat to the United States and its allies. He claimed the strikes successfully destroyed these hideouts and eliminated many terrorists without harming civilians. According to Trump, the goal was to send a clear message to terrorist groups that the US will not tolerate threats against its citizens or allies.
In a social media post, the office of Somalia’s president acknowledged the attack, confirming they had been informed of the US operation targeting senior IS leadership in northern Somalia. The post further stated that such cooperation between the US and Somalia strengthens the fight against terrorism, ensuring long-term stability in the region.
US Confirms Air Strikes Were Successful
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that initial assessments indicated multiple IS operatives were killed in the strikes. He emphasized that no civilians were harmed in the attack, a crucial factor in ensuring that counterterrorism efforts do not alienate local populations.
Hegseth further explained that the strikes aimed to weaken IS’s ability to plan and execute terrorist activities. He stressed that the US remains committed to eliminating terrorist threats worldwide. The precision of these air strikes, he noted, demonstrates the US military’s advanced capabilities and intelligence-gathering prowess.
The operation took place in the Golis mountains, a region in north-east Somalia known for harboring IS militants. Puntland’s government, which governs the area, expressed gratitude to the international forces involved in the mission. Officials from Puntland highlighted that IS has been a growing menace in the region, extorting local businesses and launching attacks on security forces.
Somalia and the US Strengthen Security Partnership
Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud acknowledged the support of the US in counterterrorism efforts. His administration reiterated that the latest operation solidifies the security partnership between Somalia and the US. This partnership, he stated, is essential in preventing terrorist organizations from gaining further foothold in the region.
The Somali branch of IS, formed in 2015 by defectors from the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab group, has been known to carry out sporadic attacks and extort local populations. US intelligence agencies classify them as a persistent but contained threat. Experts believe that targeted military operations like these are essential in keeping IS in check.
According to local reports, the US has been training Somali special forces to enhance their counterterrorism capabilities. The success of this latest air strike demonstrates that these efforts are paying off, with Somali and US forces working in close coordination to dismantle terrorist networks.
Trump Criticizes Previous Administration
Trump took the opportunity to criticize the former administration, claiming that IS had been a known threat for years but was not effectively targeted under President Joe Biden. He stated that his decisive action was necessary to protect American lives. Trump asserted that his administration was committed to strong national security policies that prioritize eliminating threats before they materialize.
He contrasted his approach with that of Biden, who in 2023 ordered an operation that killed IS leader Bilal al-Sudani and ten of his operatives in a remote mountainous cave in Somalia. Trump suggested that while Biden’s administration was slow to act, he wasted no time in ensuring that known terrorists were neutralized immediately.
US Policy on Somalia Under Trump and Biden
During his first term, Trump ordered air strikes on terrorist groups but later withdrew hundreds of US troops from Somalia in 2020. However, in his second term, he has resumed military operations against IS in the region. Experts suggest that this shift indicates Trump’s willingness to engage when necessary, despite his previous stance on reducing overseas military involvement.
In contrast, Biden reinstated US military presence in Somalia in 2021, arguing that a consistent approach was needed to counter the growing influence of al-Shabab and IS. The Biden administration believed that maintaining a steady presence was crucial in ensuring Somalia’s long-term security.
Experts suggest that Trump’s long-term stance on US involvement in Somalia remains uncertain. His former defence secretary, Mark Esper, noted in his memoir that Trump did not see much strategic value in maintaining a US presence in Africa. However, analysts argue that Trump’s actions now suggest a reconsideration of this stance, particularly in light of the persistent threats posed by IS and al-Shabab.
Future of US Engagement in Africa
Trump’s past administration deprioritized US relations with Africa. He hosted only two Sub-Saharan African leaders and never visited the continent during his first term. His foreign policy largely focused on other regions, particularly Asia and the Middle East.
In his second term, Trump may approach Africa differently due to growing Chinese and Russian influence on the continent. The US has long viewed Somalia as a crucial front in its counterterrorism strategy, but shifting priorities could impact future involvement. With global superpowers increasing their footprint in Africa, Trump’s administration may be forced to rethink its engagement on the continent.
For now, Trump has reaffirmed his commitment to eliminating terrorist threats, ensuring that IS leaders hiding in Somalia are swiftly targeted. The latest air strikes signal a strong stance on counterterrorism, and whether this approach continues will depend on broader geopolitical considerations.
