U.S. Launches Airstrikes Against ISIS in Somalia

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U.S. forces reportedly launched multiple airstrikes against Islamic State positions in Somalia’s Puntland region on Monday night, according to Somali media. The strikes targeted areas near key positions held by Puntland’s regional security forces, where ISIS fighters have been massing for the past four weeks. The attacks are part of an ongoing effort to repel an offensive by Puntland security forces into the Cal Miskaad mountains.

Operation Hilaac and AFRICOM Support

In January 2025, the Puntland Security Force (PSF) launched Operation Hilaac, a major offensive against ISIS strongholds in the Cal Miskaad mountains. The operation, which includes caves used as hideouts by ISIS, has been supported by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) with several publicly-announced airstrikes. The Shabelle Media Network reported that ISIS forces have been on the defensive since September 27, following their last known attack on villages in the Cal Miskaad area using explosive-laden drones.

Puntland’s Role in Regional Security

Puntland, a semi-autonomous region of northeastern Somalia, is situated between the territory controlled by Mogadishu and Somaliland. While Puntland has traditionally been less interested in full independence than Somaliland, it asserted greater autonomy after a constitutional dispute in 2024. The PSF, originally a counter-terrorism agency established in 2002, plays a critical role in the region’s security.

ISIS Strongholds in the Mountains

According to Sky News, Puntland’s mountains have become one of the most significant ISIS strongholds globally since the collapse of the group’s caliphate in Iraq and Syria in 2019. Islamic State fighters have colonized the area, establishing farms, raising families, and actively recruiting from surrounding communities. The increasing skill of ISIS fighters in improvising and deploying bomb-carrying drones has raised concerns for both the PSF and AFRICOM.

Source: Breitbart

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claire.thomson