Trump airstrikes kill ISIS leaders hiding in Somalia caves

Trump recently revealed he ordered U.S. airstrikes targeting senior Islamic State (IS) operatives in northern Somalia. In a bold social media post, the former president claimed that the attacks killed numerous terrorists hiding in caves, while ensuring no harm came to civilians. “These killers threatened the U.S. and our allies,” he wrote. “We found them and struck hard.”

No civilians harmed, IS operatives killed

The strike’s targets were not named, but Trump’s statement was clear: “We WILL find you, and WE WILL kill you.” Somalia’s government confirmed the strikes and praised the U.S. for its continued support in the fight against terrorism. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed gratitude for the U.S. partnership.

Details of the strike: targets and success

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that the operation in the Golis mountains killed several IS operatives without harming civilians. He emphasized that the strikes weakened IS’s ability to launch attacks and signaled America’s resolve to eliminate terrorists worldwide. Puntland, the northeast region of Somalia, also thanked international allies for participating in the operation.

The rise of IS in Africa

While IS rose to global attention during the 2010s, its primary base is now in Africa. The Somali branch, formed in 2015 by defectors from al-Shabab, is known for its extortion activities and occasional small-scale attacks. Despite these efforts, the group’s influence has been limited.

Trump criticizes Biden’s handling of IS threat

Trump also took a swipe at the Biden administration. He claimed Biden’s team had failed to act swiftly on targeting IS leaders, something he did with greater urgency during his presidency. Trump pointed out that while Biden ordered the 2023 operation that killed IS leader Bilal al-Sudani, his own administration was quick to act when necessary.

In fact, Trump had pulled hundreds of U.S. troops out of Somalia in 2020, but within weeks of returning to office, he ordered airstrikes. This move sets him apart from Biden, who has maintained a steady U.S. military presence in the country to combat al-Shabab. Despite pulling out troops in his final days, Trump has shown an inclination to remain involved in the region, especially to counteract terrorism.

Trump’s vision for U.S. foreign engagement

However, Trump has been vocal about limiting U.S. engagement in foreign conflicts. Somalia presents a unique challenge as the U.S. has invested heavily in the country, aiming to combat al-Shabab’s persistent threat. Some experts believe that Trump’s second term may bring a shift in U.S. strategy in Africa, particularly as geopolitical competition with Russia and China intensifies. While Trump has historically shown little interest in African outreach, his focus may change if America’s adversaries continue expanding their influence on the continent.

As the situation evolves, Trump’s stance on Somalia and Africa remains to be fully seen. Yet, his recent actions signal a continued commitment to U.S. military intervention, albeit under his terms. “America will always fight for its safety and the safety of its allies,” Trump declared. “And we will never stop hunting down terrorists wherever they hide.”