U.S. Forces Target ISIS Members in Somalia

Donald Trump, the President of the United States, announced that U.S. forces eliminated one of the main planners of attacks by the group known as the Islamic State (ISIS) and other militants in Somalia through airstrikes. On Saturday, February 1, he wrote on the social media platform 'Truth Social': 'These criminals, who were hiding in caves and we found them, had threatened the United States and our allies.' He added, 'These attacks resulted in the destruction of the caves where they lived, and many terrorists were killed without causing any harm to civilians.' U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth also stated that the attacks on Saturday took place in the Golis Mountains, and initial assessments indicate that many militants were killed. He emphasized that no harm was done to civilians. These attacks were welcomed by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, the President of Somalia, who expressed his deep gratitude on the social media platform X for the 'unwavering support of the United States in our joint fight against terrorism.' He wrote to Donald Trump: 'Mr. President, your decisive and courageous leadership in the fight against terrorism in Somalia is highly valued and welcomed.' According to the Minister of Information of the local Puntland government in northern Somalia, the U.S. forces targeted ISIS positions in the Kal Meskad mountains, which are part of the Golis range. He stated, 'Since it is dark, the number of casualties is still unclear. However, our forces on the front lines could hear the sounds of explosions.' The U.S. Secretary of Defense also noted that these attacks have reduced ISIS's ability to plan conspiratorial operations against the United States, its partners, and innocent civilians. He added, 'These attacks also send a clear message that the United States is always ready to find and eliminate terrorists who threaten the United States and our partners. The United States has been conducting airstrikes in Somalia for years, both under Democratic and Republican leaderships.