U.S. conducts airstrike targeting ISIS militants in Somalia
Mogadishu (AX) — U.S. forces struck Islamic State militants in northern Somalia on May 4 in an operation carried out with the backing of the Somali government, U.S. Africa Command said.
Wednesday May 6, 2026
Mogadishu (AX) — U.S. forces struck Islamic State militants in northern Somalia on May 4 in an operation carried out with the backing of the Somali government, U.S. Africa Command said.
According to AFRICOM, the airstrike hit fighters in the Golis Mountains, roughly 75 kilometers (47 miles) southeast of the port city of Bosaso, and was directed at members of the Islamic State group’s Somalia affiliate, ISIS-Somalia.
AFRICOM said the mission was conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somali Armed Forces as part of continuing efforts to disrupt the group’s ability to plan and carry out attacks.
The command did not identify the aircraft, personnel or other assets involved, saying those details were withheld for operational security reasons.
Somalia continues to contend with threats from extremist organizations, including ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabab, both of which have staged attacks against government officials, security forces and civilians.
AFRICOM said it will keep working with Somali authorities to counter militant groups and limit their capacity to endanger U.S. interests, personnel and citizens overseas.