U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed to Fox News Digital on Friday that it conducted 10 airstrikes in 2024. By contrast, more than 100 strikes have already been executed in Somalia this year.

In the most recent operation on Tuesday, AFRICOM forces took part in an airstrike and an alleged four-hour gun battle with ISIS-Somalia fighters in Puntland, located in northern Somalia.

According to an AFRICOM press release, the mission was carried out “in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia.”

Several local sources reported that high-ranking ISIS operatives were targeted. Early accounts suggest that a senior militant leader was either killed or apprehended, and up to 10 fighters were eliminated. No U.S. casualties have been reported.

This latest strike follows a series of U.S. missions targeting extremist factions throughout Somalia, including ISIS, ISIS-Somalia, and the al-Qaeda-affiliated al-Shabab.

An AFRICOM spokesperson told Fox News Digital on Thursday that the U.S. “conducted an airstrike approximately 66 km southeast of Bossaso. To date, we have completed 101 airstrikes in Somalia — 59 of which specifically targeted ISIS-Somalia.

“In collaboration with the Federal Government of Somalia, we continue to take measures to diminish the capacity of ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabab to threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad.”

According to local accounts, U.S. MQ-9 Reaper drones initially launched missiles at militants positioned in and around a large cave. This was reportedly followed by an assault involving 10 helicopters. Multiple sources claimed that U.S. personnel disembarked from the aircraft during the operation.

However, U.S. military officials denied that American troops conducted any on-ground maneuvers, firmly rejecting reports that U.S. forces had set foot on Somali territory. Officials reiterated that no ground operation took place.

In a public statement, AFRICOM emphasized that “specific details about units and assets will not be released” to preserve operational security.

In August, AFRICOM announced multiple airstrikes against ISIS militants. AFRICOM Commander Gen. Dagvin Anderson stated that “these lethal strikes demonstrate our resolve and commitment to keeping Americans and our partners safe from the threat of global terrorism.” He added that the strikes targeted “an organization intending to export its violence to the U.S. and our allies.”

Official military photographs showed U.S. aircraft launching from an aircraft carrier during the operations.

Ahmed Soliman, a senior research fellow in the Africa Programme at Chatham House, told Fox News Digital, “The U.S. focus on [ISIS] in Puntland is partly driven by the goal of preventing another international [ISIS] ‘safe haven’ from emerging, as well as concerns about ISIS-Somalia’s recruitment of foreign fighters.”

He added, “However, this emphasis has raised concerns that the international response may not be keeping pace with al-Shabab’s resurgence in central and southern Somalia. Al-Shabab has taken advantage of the shifting international focus to reestablish its operational areas.

“These gains have occurred amid Somalia’s increasingly fractured domestic political environment. Persistent power struggles between the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) and federal member states such as Puntland and Jubaland have undermined coordination and counterterrorism efforts.”

In May, AFRICOM’s former commander, Gen. Michael E. Langley, speaking about U.S. strikes in Somalia, told Air & Space Forces Magazine that the U.S. “is actively pursuing and eliminating jihadist fighters.”

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Kaab TV has learned that a delegation led by Puntland President Saeed Abdullahi Deni, who recently visited the UAE, held discussions with the UAE Government on ways to provide extensive support to Puntland’s operations against Daesh.

Puntland has emphasized the importance of boosting the morale of its fighting forces and has requested support to compensate the families of soldiers who died in the conflict.

While the exact number of soldiers who have died in Puntland has not been officially announced, estimates suggest the toll is in the hundreds since the launch of the Lightning Operation, which targeted ISIS positions in the region.

Sources close to the Puntland presidency have confirmed that up to $20,000 will be provided to the family of each soldier who died during Operation Hellaac.

This initiative could help Puntland build confidence in its military forces fighting against the terrorist group. The region has recently faced criticism for allegedly failing to provide adequate medical care and support to soldiers injured in the anti-terrorism campaign.

In addition, Puntland hopes the UAE will assist with the salaries of government employees. Currently, the UAE covers the salaries of the Puntland Maritime Police Force (PMPF), which received training from the UAE.

Puntland has faced a financial shortfall due to the suspension of international budget support, which it has not received for more than six years because of conflicts with the Federal Government in Mogadishu.

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The counterterrorism operation, which began in December with backing from U.S. AFRICOM and the UAE through airstrikes, has resulted in the deaths of dozens of militants.

On Monday, Puntland counterterrorism forces took control of Sheebaab town, a significant ISIS stronghold that had served as the group’s headquarters.

The government announced the completion of the second phase of the operation, marking a major victory against the terror group.

However, top ISIS leaders, including Abdiqadir Mumin, remain at large after fleeing their stronghold.

Just a day before the victory in Sheebaab, outgoing British Ambassador Mike Nithavrianakis visited Bosaso, Puntland’s strategic port city and the base of the counterterrorism operation.

“It was very good seeing Puntland President @HESaidADeni in Bosaso today. The UK will be supporting #OpHilac against Daesh with medical supplies, among other things,” Nithavrianakis posted on X.

The ambassador, whose assignment ends in May, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to standing with Puntland in its fight against terrorism.

The Puntland president’s office confirmed the meeting, attended by government officials, focused on the ongoing counterterrorism operations. The UK praised Puntland’s efforts and also discussed strengthening UK-Puntland cooperation, ongoing development projects, and the broader security situation in Somalia.

During Monday’s operation, Puntland forces uncovered an underground hideout where ISIS leader Abdiqadir Mumin had been residing.

The hideout, hidden beneath a tomato farm to evade airstrikes, contained a tunnel several meters deep, an oxygen tube, and solar-powered lighting. Despite the discovery, Mumin was not captured.

Meanwhile, Puntland’s Police Chief, General Mumin Abdi, has urged civilians to remain vigilant, warning that fleeing ISIS fighters may try to hide among the local population.

“We want all Puntlanders to be vigilant as the ISIS terrorists fleeing from Cal Miskaad are trying to hide within the civilian population and might cause harm,” General Mumin Abdi said.

With ISIS leadership on the run, Puntland security forces continue their pursuit of the remaining militants.

#VIDEO: ISIS-SOMALIA LEADER’S UNDERGROUND HOUSE EXPOSED

Puntland counter-terror forces uncovered an underground house where top ISIS emir Abdiqadir Mumin had been living.

The house had a tomato farm on top as a cover from airstrikes, with a tunnel several meters deep. It was… pic.twitter.com/iREtbtsT6y

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) February 24, 2025

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The midnight strike targeted the Kunle area of Al-Miskaad.

“The command’s initial assessment is that the strike killed two ISIS terrorists and no civilians were harmed,” AFRICOM stated.

The operation resulted in the deaths of at least two members of the IS-Somalia group.

The airstrike comes as Puntland security forces have been engaged in intense fighting with ISIS-Somalia militants in the mountainous region since December.

Puntland forces have reportedly driven the militants out of 70% of the area.

The United Arab Emirates has also been providing support to Puntland’s regional forces, including airstrikes and logistical assistance.

AFRICOM emphasized its commitment to ongoing operations against the group.

“Degrading ISIS and other terrorist organizations’ ability to plot and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our partners, and civilians” remains a key objective, the command said.

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“This morning, I ordered precision military airstrikes 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 lived in and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians. Our military has targeted this ISIS attack planner for years, but Biden and his cronies couldn’t act quickly enough to get the job done. I did!” Trump posted on X.

He also sent a clear warning to ISIS.

Trump wrote: “The message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that ‘WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!'”

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,…

— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 1, 2025

The airstrikes were confirmed by U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), which announced that “multiple ISIS-Somalia militants” were killed in the operation on Saturday.

The strikes targeted the remote mountains of the Bari region, where Puntland state security forces have been engaged in ongoing clashes with ISIS militants since December.

The conflict began after Puntland launched an all-out offensive against the group, which had been establishing bases in the region’s mountainous terrain.

The post Trump Message to ISIS: WE WILL KILL YOU! appeared first on Kaab TV.

“The command’s initial assessment is that multiple ISIS-Somalia operatives were killed in the airstrikes and no civilians were harmed,” AFRICOM stated in a press release.

The airstrikes targeted the remote mountains of the Bari region, where Puntland state security forces have been clashing with ISIS militants since December.

The conflict began after the regional government launched an all-out offensive against the group, which had been establishing bases in the mountainous areas.

AFRICOM indicated it would continue to evaluate the results of the operation and provide further details as necessary.

“Specific details about the operation will not be released in order to ensure continued operational security,” the statement added.

In a related development, U.S. President Donald Trump, while at his Mar-a-Lago resort, confirmed the order for precision military airstrikes against the senior ISIS attack planner and other terrorists he had 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 posted on X.

Trump also sent a strong message to ISIS: “The message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is that ‘WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!’”

Meanwhile, regional authorities in Puntland expressed their appreciation for the involvement of the U.S. and UAE in the airstrikes targeting the militants.

While Puntland refrains from aligning with the Mogadishu government, they thanked Kenya and Ethiopia for their “invaluable support” in the fight against ISIS, while also praising their collaboration with the U.S. and UAE.

The post U.S. Airstrikes Kill Multiple ISIS-Somalia Operatives; Trump Sends Strong Message to ISIS appeared first on Kaab TV.

This comes after the arrest of hundreds of foreigners in various towns, including Bosaso, Garowe, and Dhahar.

Authorities say the operation aims to verify that the foreigners do not pose any security threat.

Tight security is being enforced at Puntland’s borders as the statewide anti-terror operation continues.

This is #Garowe’s southern checkpoint, where Kaab TV visited as security forces carried out search and arrest operations targeting travelers on the roads.

The Criminal Investigations Police have also joined the operation to verify the identities of those suspected.

Police officials report that hundreds of people have been arrested, while some were released after their identities were verified.

Thr Islamic State (ISIS) militants are reportedly fleeing as Puntland forces advance towards the mountains in Bari, dismantling their hideouts.

The post Puntland Launches Statewide Security Operation appeared first on Kaab TV.

According to Bari Police Commissioner Abdukadir Jama Dirir, officers uncovered a house storing explosives and other terror-related materials during an overnight raid in Bosaso.

The raid followed an investigation linked to the Friday night explosion.

The deceased suspect, yet to be formally identified, had reportedly been living in Bosaso while disguising himself as a street vendor and occasionally posing as a beggar to gain local support.

Police also arrested a second man suspected of planting the IED after he was found with injuries sustained during the device’s explosion.

The IED detonated at a street corner but caused no casualties.

Following the #Puntland government’s decision to ban foreigners from working in Puntland due to security concerns, residents gathered in Garowe today to demand the removal of foreigners from the region.

The demonstrators supported the government’s decision, citing a recent… pic.twitter.com/5L2VarXuHz

— Kaab TV Breaking News (@KaabTV_Breaking) January 26, 2025

Commissioner Dirir reported that investigations led officers to the suspect’s residence, where they confiscated hand grenades, IEDs, and mobile phones used for terror activities.

This development comes as Puntland continues its major counter-terrorism operation targeting Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Bari’s mountainous region.

Since launching the operation, regional security forces have reclaimed territory and killed dozens of militants.

In a sweeping crackdown over the weekend, Bosaso police arrested more than a dozen suspects, including foreign nationals and 70 locals accused of collaborating with the militants, police confirmed.

Bosaso, like other cities in Puntland, hosts a significant number of Ethiopian refugees, many of them ethnic Oromo who fled conflict and hardship in their home country.

Meanwhile, following the Puntland government’s decision to ban foreigners from working in the region due to security concerns, residents gathered in Garowe today to demand the removal of foreigners.

#Puntland Issues Decision To Control the “Threats Posed by Foreign Nationals”

The Ministry of Interior, Federal Affairs, and Democratization of #Puntland State, in consideration of public safety and security, has issued the following directives:

– Due to the ongoing security… pic.twitter.com/1tfPThuu4S

— Kaab TV (@KaabTV) January 25, 2025

The demonstrators expressed their support for the government’s decision, pointing to the recent incident in Bosaso where a foreign man was killed while allegedly planting a bomb in the city.

The Puntland Ministry of Interior issued new directives to counter security threats posed by illegal foreign entrants.

The directives prohibit unauthorized foreign nationals from entering Puntland and ban begging using written papers in public places, such as mosques, streets, and business areas.

Telecommunication companies were ordered to refrain from issuing phone lines to foreign nationals lacking valid identification and recognized guarantors.

Existing phone numbers used for begging activities are to be deactivated immediately.

Effective January 25, 2025, the directive prohibits anyone residing unlawfully in Puntland from renting housing, obtaining phone lines, or seeking employment.

Individuals facilitating these activities will be prosecuted as accomplices in criminal offenses. Furthermore, unregistered small businesses operating in markets are now banned.

The post Puntland Police Kill Foreign Bomb Maker in Bosaso, Arrest Another appeared first on Kaab TV.

In an urgent humanitarian appeal, the Puntland government called on the international community, aid organizations, and UN donors to provide immediate support for those affected.

The issue was a key agenda item during the Puntland cabinet meeting held in Bosaso, where Minister Ubah Abdirashid highlighted the compounded challenges facing the region.

“Puntland is currently in a state of emergency due to the ongoing conflict with the international terrorist group ISIS,” the minister stated.

She explained that the region experienced severe drought in 2024, with below-average rainfall during the Gu and Deyr rainy seasons, leaving communities vulnerable to extreme living conditions.

Adding to these challenges, clan conflicts erupted in various areas, further destabilizing the region.

The recent military offensives against ISIS have intensified the humanitarian crisis, displacing tens of thousands of families.

“This conflict has caused massive displacement, severely affecting communities across Puntland.  Approximately 19,640 families are now in dire conditions and urgently need humanitarian aid,” Minister Ubah Abdirashid said following the cabinet meeting in Bosaso.

The minister urged international partners to step in with immediate assistance.

“We are issuing an international appeal to global organizations, UN donors, and international partners to assist us in providing emergency humanitarian relief to these displaced families,” she added.

Minister Ubah also called on Puntland’s citizens to show solidarity and support for their displaced compatriots, emphasizing the importance of community-driven efforts during these challenging times.

The post Over 19,000 Families Displaced in Puntland Amid Conflict with ISIS – Minister appeared first on Kaab TV.

Thousands of families have been displaced as the military campaign intensifies, forcing locals to flee their homes.

According to government reports, over 19,640 families have been uprooted by the counter-terrorism operation, which was launched in late December under the codename “Operation Hillaac.”

The operation aims to dismantle ISIS strongholds in the Cal Miskaad Mountains, a rugged and remote area in northeastern Somalia.

On Thursday, the Puntland Cabinet convened in the port town of Bosaso, where President Said Abdullahi Deni has been personally overseeing the campaign.

The meeting resulted in an urgent appeal to humanitarian aid groups and international partners involved in stabilization efforts.

Interior Minister Abdi Farah Said called on United Nations agencies and other international partners to provide immediate assistance to displaced families and communities affected by the conflict.

“We are particularly appealing to UN agencies to provide humanitarian aid to those affected by the ongoing operation. Additionally, we urge agencies involved in stabilization projects, such as USAID, to assist communities in the liberated areas,” said Minister Abdi Farah.

The minister emphasized the need for essential services in the areas cleared of militants, including education, healthcare, water, and roads.

“These services will enable displaced locals to resume their livelihoods and allow the government to ensure their safety once they return,” he added.

So far, 19,640 families have fled their homes

His appeal was echoed by Ubah Abdirashid Mohamed Hirsi, Puntland’s Minister of Humanitarian Management, who confirmed the staggering displacement numbers.

“So far, 19,640 families have fled their homes and are in desperate need of emergency support. Poor rainfall last year compounded the difficulties these families were already facing, and now this displacement has worsened their situation,” she said.

The Minister of Information, Mohamud Aideed Dirir, praised the progress made by Puntland Security Forces (PSF), despite limited resources.

“The counter-ISIS operation, which we initially projected to take months, has achieved remarkable success in just a few weeks. ISIS fighters are on the run, abandoning their positions, and Puntland forces are pursuing them in the remote mountains,” he stated.

Dirir commended local communities for their role in providing intelligence that has been instrumental in tracking the militants.

On Thursday, Puntland forces reportedly seized key ISIS bases, including training camps and storage facilities for food and fuel.

Among the captured items were documents belonging to a Saudi national suspected to be a financier of the group, who fled the area before the forces arrived.

The conflict escalated on December 31, when ISIS carried out a car bomb attack on a Puntland army base in Dharjaalle.

The explosion killed 12 foreign militants, including individuals from Tanzania, Tunisia, Morocco, Ethiopia, and Comoros, alongside Somali fighters.

Though smaller in scale compared to al-Shabaab, ISIS-Somalia remains a significant threat in the region.

The group, which has been active in Puntland since 2015, is led by Abdulqadir Mumin, a former al-Shabaab commander who pledged allegiance to ISIS.

Operating primarily in the Golis Mountains, ISIS-Somalia has conducted assassinations and improvised explosive device (IED) attacks.

Puntland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden and near the Red Sea makes it a critical hub for international maritime trade, but it also attracts militant groups exploiting the area for smuggling and other illicit activities.

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