On February 1, 2025, President Donald Trump ordered U.S. military airstrikes against Islamic State militants operating in Somalia, marking the first military operation of his second administration. The strikes were focused on senior ISIS operatives and were conducted from fighter jets stationed on the USS Harry Truman, which is currently deployed in the Red Sea. The airstrikes targeted locations within the Golis Mountains, known for harboring key members of the terrorist organization.
According to Trump, during these airstrikes, "the strikes destroyed the caves they live in and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians.” He emphasized this point, asserting, “We will find you, and we will kill you!” This statement served not only as reassurance for the American public but also as a warning to terrorists who may threaten U.S. interests.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reinforced Trump’s assertions, stating the strikes “send a clear signal” of the U.S.’s readiness to eliminate threats posed by terror groups. He noted the targeted approach of the mission, which aimed to degrade the capacity of ISIS-Somalia to conduct operations against U.S. citizens, allies, and civilians.
The airstrikes were seen as timely, particularly as President Trump used them to draw contrasts with his predecessor, Joe Biden. Trump claimed, “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!” This statement highlighted Trump’s approach to foreign policy as one of decisive action compared to what he characterized as Biden’s delays.
Puntland officials confirmed the effectiveness of the strikes, stating they resulted in the elimination of key figures from the ISIS militant group. General Adan Abdi Hashi commented on the precision of the strikes, targeting at least ten locations involved with ISIS activities. Reports suggest a significant disruption within those ranks, with U.S. officials lauding the operation's success.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised the U.S. military efforts, appreciating the partnership aimed at countering terrorism. His government has long faced challenges from various extremist groups, most prominently al-Shabaab, but the operation against ISIS demonstrates the increasing presence of this faction within Somalia, following their split from al-Shabaab.
The reality of the situation is complicated, though. Elizabeth Shackleford, a former diplomat, voiced concern about the U.S.’s military strategy, urging clarity on the parameters surrounding American involvement. Shackleford stressed the importance of defining objectives, “We shouldn’t be actively involved in the war without some form of authorization.” Such calls for accountability reflect the rising scrutiny over U.S. military operations abroad, particularly considering the history of collateral damage associated with airstrikes.
Since the emergence of ISIS’s presence within Somalia, particularly following its split from al-Shabaab around 2015, the group has been operating with 300 to 700 fighters. Despite sustained military pressure, including recent operations by Puntland forces, ISIS-Somalia continues to pose significant challenges to both local and international security.
Many observers noted the operation's importance as Trump attempts to assert military strength during his second term. With various hotspots for armed conflict growing across Africa, the airstrikes reflect Trump's commitment to aggressive counterterrorism measures as he faces multiple crises, including instability in the Democratic Republic of Congo and insurgency threats from al-Qaeda-associated groups.
Reflecting on the broader picture, Trump's airstrike approach stands as part of his continued strategy to position the U.S. as a formidable force against terrorism, as made evident by recent measures to deploy military operations effectively. The airstrikes are anticipated as the beginning of renewed military engagement against ISIS and other radical factions on the African continent—signaling to many observers the potential for increased U.S. intervention.
While support for these strikes may come from certain factions, critics have raised concerns about the long-term impact of such military actions and the necessity of clearly defined goals. The efficacy of the airstrikes and their influence on regional stability will likely be debated for months. With continued conflict on multiple fronts, American policymakers face the challenge of balancing military intervention with diplomatic efforts, striving to carve pathways for sustainable peace.