US Launches Airstrikes Against ISIS Militants in Somalia

On March 30, 2025, the United States conducted airstrikes targeting militants from the Islamic State (ISIS) in Somalia, specifically in the semi-autonomous region of Puntland in the northern part of the country. According to reports from US military sources, the operation resulted in the elimination of several ISIS fighters, with initial assessments indicating that there were no civilian casualties during the strikes.

The presence of ISIS in Somalia remains relatively limited when compared to the more prominent al-Shabaab militia, which is affiliated with al-Qaeda. However, the United Nations has recently issued warnings regarding an uptick in activities linked to ISIS-affiliated groups within the Horn of Africa nation. This has raised concerns about the potential for increased violence and instability in the region.

Since December 2024, security forces in Puntland have intensified operations against ISIS, aiming to dismantle their network and reduce their influence in the area. The United States has been actively involved in these efforts, conducting multiple airstrikes against the militia's positions over the past months.

The Somali government, alongside international partners, continues to grapple with the dual threats posed by both ISIS and al-Shabaab, as they seek to restore stability and security in a region plagued by decades of conflict and terrorism.