US Launched Airstrikes in Somalia: Ordered by President Trump

The United States military launched airstrikes in Somalia’s Golis Mountains on Saturday, targeting what it described as a senior Islamic State (IS) attack planner and other militants. The operation, ordered by President Donald Trump, reportedly resulted in multiple militant casualties, while no civilians were harmed, according to US officials.

The Strike and Its Aftermath

President Trump announced the strike on his social media platform, stating,

“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.”

US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth confirmed that the airstrikes took place in the Golis Mountains, a known IS stronghold in northern Somalia. Hegseth claimed the attack degraded the group’s operational capacity, preventing potential future attacks on US and allied interests.

The Somali government acknowledged the strike, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressing gratitude to the United States for its continued support in the fight against terrorism.

“Your bold and decisive leadership, Mr. President, in counterterrorism efforts is highly valued and welcomed in Somalia,” he stated on X (formerly Twitter).

Strategic Implications for Somalia and Africa

While the US remains engaged in counterterrorism efforts across Africa, Somalia has long been a focal point due to the presence of both IS and the al-Qaeda-affiliated Al-Shabaab. The Puntland regional government confirmed that IS bases in the Cal Miskaad Mountains, part of the Golis range, were targeted in the strike.

Somalia continues to grapple with extremist violence that has disrupted national security and economic progress for decades. The Islamic State faction in Somalia emerged in 2015 as a splinter group from Al-Shabaab, and while it remains smaller in comparison, it has been linked to extortion activities and sporadic attacks.

Despite the US government framing this as a significant counterterrorism victory, questions remain about the long-term effectiveness of airstrikes in combating extremism in Africa. Previous interventions have not eradicated IS or Al-Shabaab but have rather forced them to adapt their tactics.

A Broader US-Africa Strategy?

Trump’s previous administration had scaled down military presence in Africa, withdrawing troops from Somalia in 2020. However, this latest strike signals renewed military engagement under his second term. While the US has invested in security partnerships across the continent, some African analysts argue that military interventions alone cannot address the root causes of terrorism—such as poverty, governance challenges, and ideological radicalisation.

Meanwhile, Washington is increasingly viewing Africa through a geopolitical lens, as global powers like China and Russia expand their influence on the continent. The question remains: will Trump’s Africa policy focus solely on security concerns, or will it address broader economic and diplomatic engagements?

For Somalia, the US’s continued presence offers short-term counterterrorism support. However, in the long run, sustainable security will require African-led solutions, including strengthening local governance, economic empowerment, and regional cooperation to combat extremist groups effectively.