U.S. Airstrikes Target Islamic State in Somalia

WASHINGTON — In the enigmatic expanse of Somalia’s Golis Mountains, a U.S. military operation unfolded earlier this month with precision and strategic acumen. The airstrikes, orchestrated against the ever-elusive Islamic State, have achieved a significant milestone, according to the latest assessment from U.S. military officials.

Late Tuesday, the U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) announced the demise of Ahmed Maeleninine, a notorious architect of terror, alongside 13 significant operatives, during an operation initiated on February 1st. The strategic strike, carried out in concert with the Somali government, marks a pivotal victory in the ongoing battle against extremism.

In their official statement, AFRICOM identified Maeleninine as a key orchestrator—a recruiter, financier, and mastermind steering the deployment of jihadists to the United States and Europe. His presence in the global network was akin to a shadow lurking beyond reach, but now his exploits cease to instill fear.

Yet what led to the delay in assessing these strikes’ success? The answer lies in the labyrinthine terrain—cave complexes nestled within the Cal Miskaad region, a natural fortress in the Golis Mountains. These stratagems require careful handling, and the intelligence gathered was cautiously evaluated.

Reports from locals in Qandala, a quaint town in the Bari region, speak of ominous smoke spirals and fiery echoes resonating through the hills—the unmistakable imprint of military intervention. Such accounts paint a vivid tableau of the day, reminiscent of earlier episodes where hidden threats were thrust into the unforgiving spotlight.

Why focus on Somalia, one might ask? The presence of Islamic State, also identified as IS or Daesh, has expanded their operations into Africa’s heartlands. Since 2022, Somalia has hosted al-Karrar, a node in the Islamic State’s web, fueling its sinister machinery with resources funneled to affiliates in Afghanistan, and echoes of its influence resonate as far as Africa.

At the helm of IS-Somalia stands Abdulkadir Mumin, a former insurgent with ties to al-Qaida-linked al-Shabab. His transformation into a pivotal figure within IS highlights the permeable boundaries that extremists traverse with audacity. Mumin’s ascendancy within the group’s hierarchy sparks debate among U.S. officials—could he be the elusive top emir?

It was only in May 2024 that Mumin found himself in the crosshairs of U.S. efforts, a testament to his unparalleled significance in the global terror network. Meanwhile, intelligence suggests IS-Somalia has swelled its ranks, now harboring an estimated 1,600 fighters. The influx from Ethiopia, Morocco, Sudan, Syria, Tanzania, and Yemen bolsters this malign force, tightening its grip on the region.

In response, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth affirmed a resolute stance against the encroaching threats. “Where we see those growing, plotting or planning with increased capabilities, we will strike,” he declared, underscoring a ready commitment during his visit to AFRICOM headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany.

But what does this mean for the boots on the ground? Hegseth’s openness to maintaining the contingent of 500 special operation forces stationed in Somalia speaks volumes. “I want to listen to the commanders on the ground, first and foremost,” he stated. “The president, he’s charged me with, give me your best advice but also keep your ear to the ground of what’s most effective.”

The narrative of U.S. involvement in Somalia is one of reversals and renewed resolve. In January 2021, President Donald Trump marked the end of his first term by withdrawing U.S. forces, a decision later overturned by former President Joe Biden in May 2022. The reintroduction of U.S. forces has aimed to assist Somali efforts against IS and al-Shabab, an ongoing testament to the nation’s strategic importance.

In conclusion, the recent operation against IS-Somalia represents not merely a tactical success but a symbolic triumph in the relentless pursuit of a more stable world—a vigil against the shadows that persist in spreading fear.

Harun Maruf, Mohamed Olad contributed to this report.

Edited By Ali Musa, Axadle Times International–Monitoring