JOHANNESBURG: The frequency of U.S. airstrikes targeting jihadi extremists in Somalia has surged dramatically under the Trump administration this year, far exceeding the operations conducted during President Biden’s term in 2024.
According to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), as of Friday, they have executed more than 100 airstrikes in Somalia this year, a significant increase from the 10 strikes conducted in 2024. This information was shared with Fox News Digital.
The latest military engagement occurred on Tuesday when AFRICOM forces participated in an airstrike and an ensuing four-hour battle with ISIS-Somalia militants in Puntland, located in northern Somalia. AFRICOM stated that this operation was executed “in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia.”
U.S. forces wrap up mission targeting ISIS in Somalia, August 2025. (Jaron Willis/AFRICOM)
Local reports indicated that the strikes effectively targeted high-profile ISIS figures, suggesting that a significant terror leader was either captured or killed, alongside the elimination of up to 10 militants. Notably, there were no U.S. casualties reported.
This recent attack is part of an ongoing campaign against various jihadist factions in Somalia, including ISIS, ISIS-Somalia, and the al Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab.
An AFRICOM spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Thursday the U.S. “conducted an airstrike approximately 66 km southeast of Bossaso. To date, we’ve completed 101 airstrikes in Somalia — 59 of which have specifically targeted ISIS-Somalia. In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, we continue to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabab’s ability to threaten the U.S. Homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad.”
A file photo showing al-Shabab terrorists conduct military exercise in northern Mogadishu’s Suqaholaha neighborhood, Somalia, Sunday, Sept. 5, 2010. (Farah Abdi Warsameh/AP Photo)
Local sources report that in this latest attack, U.S. MQ9 Reaper drones first dropped missiles on the terrorists, who were said to be in and around a large cave. This was reportedly followed by an attack using 10 helicopters. During the battle, several sources claim U.S. troops disembarked from the helicopters.
But U.S. military officials dismissed the fact that American forces stepped onto Somali soil, stressing there was no ground operation by American troops, stating twice that such reports are inaccurate. In a public statement, AFRICOM said “specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security”.
U.S. forces conclude operation targeting ISIS in Somalia. Aug, 2025. (Hannah Kantner/AFRICOM)
In August, AFRICOM stated that they carried out multiple airstrikes against ISIS fighters, with AFRICOM Commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson saying, “these lethal strikes demonstrate our resolve and commitment to ensuring Americans and our partners remain safe from the threat of global terrorism.” The general continued that the strikes were aimed “against an organization that wishes to export their terror to the U.S. and our allies.”
U.S. aircraft launching from an aircraft carrier were shown in official photographs accompanying the media statement about the attacks.
Ahmed Soliman, senior research fellow, Africa Program, Chatham House, told Fox News Digital, “The U.S. focus on [ISIS] in Puntland is partially driven by the goal of preventing another international [ISIS] “safe haven” from emerging, as well as the potential threat from ISIS-Somalia’s recruitment of foreign fighters.”
He continued, “However, the imbalance has led to growing concerns that the international response may be lagging behind the pace of al-Shabab’s resurgence in central and southern Somalia. Al-Shabab has leveraged this shifting international focus to reconsolidate its areas of operations. The group’s advances have taken place against a backdrop of Somalia’s increasingly fragmented domestic political landscape. Ongoing power struggles between the FGS (Federal Government of Somalia) and member states like Puntland and Jubaland have undermined coordination and counterterrorism efforts.”
In May, AFRICOM’s then Commander, Gen. Michael E. Langley, referring to strikes in Somalia, told Air & Space Forces Magazine, “the U.S. is actively pursuing and eliminating jihadists.”
