On February 1, 2025, the United States conducted precision airstrikes in Somalia targeting senior ISIS leadership and their recruits. According to the US President Donald Trump, the militants were based in caves and had threatened the US and its allies. He made it clear that the attacks had been carried out with extreme caution to prevent any civilian casualties.
Operation returned the caves to rubble, destroying and killing hundreds of ISIS terrorists. President Trump gave a powerful message to potential foes: “We will find you, and we will kill you!”
This operation is in direct support of the U.S. military’s continued efforts to disrupt ISIS networks within Somalia. The Federal Government of Somalia has previously released and transmitted statements regarding strikes conducted by U.S. Africa Command targeting ISIS, including a May 31, 2024, strike that killed three ISIS members while avoiding civilian casualties.
The airstrikes conducted lately cement the commitment of the U.S. to fighting terrorism in the Horn of Africa. The United States has increased its military activities in the region, but there have been concerns by organizations like Amnesty International on civilian casualties with the need to uphold international legal obligations.
