Garowe (Horn Observer) — In a decisive maneuver, U.S. President Donald Trump has authorized airstrikes against ISIS operatives nestled in the rugged terrain of the Golis Mountains in northeastern Somalia, specifically in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland. As U.S. officials confirmed, this strategic intervention aligns with the ongoing efforts of Puntland’s forces, engaged in an arduous battle against the elusive terror network. Meanwhile, the Puntland Information Ministry has taken a firm stance, banning media outlets from any form of communication with the group.
The precision airstrikes, which occurred on a quiet Saturday, reportedly claimed multiple militant operatives, according to the U.S. Africa Command. For those on the ground, these aerial offensives offer a critical advantage, allowing Puntland troops to press forward with renewed vigor.
In an official communiqué, the United States Department of Defense quoted Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, articulating, “At President Trump’s behest, and in concert with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command has been mandated today to execute these concerted airstrikes targeting ISIS operatives entrenched in the Golis Mountains.”
Remarkably, no civilian casualties have been reported following the strikes—a testament to the measures painstakingly implemented to avert harm to non-combatants. As echoed by U.S. Africa Command, protecting innocent lives remains an indelible priority in their enduring mission towards a more stable and secure Africa.
“This operation further erodes ISIS’s capacity to orchestrate and execute terror operations that jeopardize U.S. citizens, our allies, and innocent bystanders,” asserted the statement. It unequivocally emphasized, “The United States remains ever-ready to locate and neutralize those threatening our nation and allies, while concurrently engaging in comprehensive border protection and other critical initiatives under President Trump’s stewardship.”
Paralleling these developments, Puntland’s Information Minister, Mahmoud Aydiid Dirir, asserted, with unyielding intent, that media outlets are now barred from engaging with ISIS members. Minister Dirir elaborated, “This decision is vital to maintain the confidentiality of our military operations and ensure journalists strictly follow official protocols during these decisive times.” His message was unequivocal, “Details of military activities must derive exclusively from government-sanctioned channels.”
In an austere reminder of the militants’ audacity, just last week, they ventured an attack, deploying a suicide car bomb. Yet, the ever-vigilant Puntland Defense Forces had been well-prepared. With remarkable precision, they repelled the onslaught; all attackers, including eight foreign fighters, were neutralized, and their arsenal was seized. It was a poignant testament to the unyielding resolve and adeptness of the forces at play.
Reflecting on these events, one might ponder: what drives such unwavering determination, both from those who protect and those they pursue? The answer may lie in the shared humanity beneath, a principle famously encapsulated by Martin Luther King Jr.: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Perhaps it is in this struggle against injustice that valor finds its utmost expression, forging a path that, arduous as it may be, seeks to uphold peace and security, impervious to the shadows cast by fear and violence.
The complex interplay of international strategy, local resilience, and the quest for equity creates a narrative that’s more than a mere clash of forces; it is a saga that writes itself into the annals of history, shaping identities and destinies across continents.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International–Monitoring
