AFRICOM confirms successful U.S. airstrike neutralizing three ISIS militants in Northeastern State

In Mogadishu, a U.S. airstrike targeted ISIS militants near Dhaardaar, Somalia, resulting in the deaths of three militants, as reported by the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM). The operation was coordinated with the Somali government to avoid civilian casualties.

AFRICOM emphasized the global threat posed by ISIS, conducting attacks across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, while also planning against U.S. interests worldwide and regional partners. Somalia plays a crucial role in East African security, and U.S. Africa Command’s forces will continue to train and support partner forces to counter ISIS.

The airstrike is part of ongoing efforts by Somali and international forces to combat extremist groups in the region. Despite claims of involvement in a previous operation, AFRICOM denied participating in the May 26 operation in the Calmadow Mountains of Somalia’s Sanaag region, where over 20 al-Shabaab militants were reportedly killed.

ISIS-Somalia, led by Abdul Qadir Mumin, a former Al-Shabaab cleric, poses a significant threat to Somalia’s security landscape. Rivalry and conflict between ISIS-Somalia and Al-Shabaab have led to violent clashes as they compete for resources, recruits, and control over territory in the region.

ISIS-Somalia, mainly based in the northern Northeastern State region, has carried out brutal attacks, including targeted assassinations, suicide bombings, and assaults on security forces and civilians. Despite their stronghold in the Galgala mountains, their operations have extended to southern and central Somalia.