US Conducts Airstrike Against IS in Somalia

Washington, 30 March 2025 (BSS/AFP) – The United States military launched an airstrike on Saturday targeting the Islamic State (IS) group in the Puntland region of Somalia, resulting in the elimination of several IS operatives, according to Africa Command (AFRICOM).

In an official statement, the European-based command confirmed that the operation was carried out in coordination with the Somali government, striking “multiple ISIS-Somalia targets.”

The Growing IS Presence in Puntland

While the IS group’s Somali faction remains smaller in comparison to the Al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab militants, it has been steadily increasing its influence in Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Somalia.

According to AFRICOM, “The airstrike occurred southeast of Bosasso, Puntland, in Northeastern Somalia. AFRICOM’s initial assessment is that multiple ISIS-Somalia operatives were killed and no civilians were harmed.”

Escalating Counter-Terrorism Efforts

This latest strike follows a similar operation conducted just two days prior, as part of a broader counter-terrorism initiative underway in Somalia. US forces have intensified their operations against IS in recent months, aiming to curb the group’s growing foothold in Puntland.

Earlier in February, a series of US airstrikes targeted IS positions in the region. Puntland authorities later confirmed that the strikes had eliminated “key figures” within the IS leadership, though they refrained from disclosing further details.

Strategic Importance of Puntland

Puntland has increasingly become a battleground for extremist factions vying for territorial control. Unlike Al-Shabaab, which dominates central and southern Somalia, IS-Somalia has concentrated its activities in Puntland’s rugged mountainous terrain, making it a challenging target for security forces.

As US-backed Somali forces continue their counter-terrorism efforts, experts warn that IS-Somalia’s expansion could pose an increasing threat to regional stability. The effectiveness of continued airstrikes and ground operations will play a crucial role in determining the future of militant activity in Puntland.