Former President Donald Trump has revealed that he authorized military air strikes targeting senior operatives of the Islamic State (IS) group in Somalia. In a statement shared on social media, Trump emphasized the seriousness of the threat posed by the militants, stating, “These killers, who we found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and our Allies.” He further claimed that the strikes effectively destroyed the hideouts of these operatives and resulted in the death of many terrorists, while ensuring no civilian casualties occurred.
According to the office of Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, they received prior notification regarding the U.S. military actions aimed at high-ranking members of the IS group located in the northern region of the country. However, independent verification of the reported casualties has not been achieved by various news outlets.
Military assessment and implications
Trump did not disclose the identities of the individuals targeted in the air strikes. He concluded his post with a stark warning, reiterating that “the message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!” This statement underscores a commitment to combating terrorism on a global scale.
In response to the operation, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth provided insights into the military assessment, stating, “our initial assessment is that multiple operatives were killed in the airstrikes and no civilians were harmed.” He described the strikes as a strategic move that “further degrade[s]” the capabilities of IS to plan and execute terrorist activities, reinforcing the United States’ readiness to confront and eliminate terrorist threats.
Background and context of IS in Somalia
The air strikes were conducted in the Golis mountains in northern Somalia, an area that has become a focal point for IS operations since the group’s establishment in the region in 2015. Initially formed by defectors from the al-Qaeda affiliated al-Shabab group, IS in Somalia has gained notoriety for its local extortion practices and sporadic attacks against both civilians and military targets.
Trump’s announcement comes amid ongoing discussions about the effectiveness of U.S. military strategies in combating IS, especially following his remarks criticizing the previous administration for its handling of the threat. He accused President Joe Biden “and his cronies” of delaying necessary actions against IS, insisting that he had taken decisive measures during his presidency.
As the global fight against terrorism continues, the developments in Somalia highlight the ongoing challenges posed by extremist groups operating in the region, and the complexities involved in international military interventions.