US President Donald Trump announced on Saturday (February 1) that he had ordered precision military airstrikes on a senior ISIS attack planner and other terrorists he recruited and led in Somalia.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Trump detailed the strikes and praised the success of the operation.
"This morning I ordered precision Military air strikes on the Senior ISIS Attack Planner and other terrorists he recruited and led in Somalia. These killers, who we found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and our Allies. The strikes destroyed the caves they live in, and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians,” Trump wrote on X.
Trump emphasised that the attack was a long-awaited response to a high-priority target, noting that the individual had been sought for years by the US military. “Our Military has targeted this ISIS Attack Planner for years, but Biden and his cronies wouldn’t act quickly enough to get the job done. I did!” Trump said, further underscoring his leadership in taking decisive action.
President Trump’s message to ISIS and other groups threatening Americans was clear: “WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!,” he added.
While no additional details were provided about the exact number of casualties or the precise location of the attack, Trump’s statement highlighted the significance of the operation, which he said had been delayed under the Biden administration.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that the US Africa Command strikes were ordered by Trump and carried out in coordination with Somalia's government.
According to an initial Pentagon assessment, the strikes resulted in the deaths of "multiple" operatives, with no reported civilian casualties.
The Pentagon's counterterrorism efforts in Africa have faced challenges following the expulsion of US forces from key bases in Chad and Niger last year. These bases were vital for training and conducting missions against terrorist groups across the Sahel region, located south of the Sahara Desert.
US military officials have raised concerns about the increasing influence of IS cells in Africa, particularly as the group's leadership has shifted to northern Somalia. These cells have reportedly received instructions on how to kidnap Westerners for ransom, enhance their military tactics, and evade drones.
The IS affiliate in Somalia, which broke away from al-Shabab in 2015, is primarily active in Puntland, especially in the Galgala Mountains. The group operates hideouts and training camps, led by Abdulkadir Mumin. While their influence remains smaller compared to al-Shabab, IS in Somalia has carried out attacks in southern and central regions. The group finances its operations through extortion, smuggling, and illegal taxation, particularly in coastal areas where it seeks to control local businesses.
(With AP inputs)
Catch all the Business News , Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.