Mogadishu (KAAB TV) – Between January 1 and July 14, 2025, the United States carried out 51 airstrikes against jihadist groups in Somalia, targeting militants from Islamic State in Somalia (ISIS‑Somalia) and al‑Shabaab.
Of the 51 strikes, 32 focused on ISIS‑Somalia, while 19 targeted al‑Shabaab—marking a notable shift in U.S. targeting priorities toward ISIS‑Somalia as the more rapidly expanding threat.
The majority of operations were conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, underscoring the stated U.S. commitment to respecting Somali sovereignty. Notably, five strikes against ISIS‑Somalia and four against al‑Shabaab were conducted explicitly at Somali government request.
On february 1, 2025 In a high-profile strike in the Golis Mountains of Puntland, U.S. forces targeted cave complexes used by ISIS‑Somalia.
The strike reportedly killed dozens of militants including senior operatives such as Ahmed Maeleminine, a senior recruiter and financier, as well as Abdirahman Fahiye Isse Mohamud, head of the group’s training unit. U.S. officials maintained no civilian casualties.
On April 24, 2025 AFRICOM launched another coordinated airstrike southeast of Bosaso targeting ISIS‑Somalia positions, again at the Somali government’s request.
On May 9, 2025 A strike approximately 70 km southeast of Bosaso further degraded ISIS‑Somalia infrastructure and operational reach.
On May 31 – June 1, 2025 Two consecutive airstrikes targeting ISIS‑Somalia were conducted about 72‑75 km south of Bosaso, intensifying the campaign in Puntland’s Bari region.
On June 27 – 30, 2025 U.S. forces supported Somali National Army operations by striking al‑Shabaab targets west of Kismayo, around Buulo Xaaji, as part of Somali-led efforts to push back the group’s influence in Lower and Middle Jubba regions.
The disproportionate focus on ISIS‑Somalia suggests U.S. officials view the group’s recent operational activity—particularly in Puntland and northeastern Somalia—as a rising threat with growing regional ambitions.
The strikes conducted “at the request” of the Somali government reflect a posture of partnership and shared decision‑making, rather than unilateral action—part of broader messaging about U.S. respect for Somali sovereignty.
AFRICOM consistently affirmed that no civilian casualties were incurred during these precision strikes, though independent verification remains limited in al‑Shabaab and ISIS‑Somalia strongholds.
These airstrikes unfolded amid Somalia’s 2025 Shabelle offensive, a resurgence of al‑Shabaab ground assaults across central regions including Hiiraan, Middle and Lower Shabelle, prompting defense coordination between Somalia, regional militias and international partners.
While the Shabelle offensive primarily involved al‑Shabaab, the U.S. attacks focused heavily on ISIS‑Somalia, which has proven more elusive and threatening in Puntland and coastal enclaves.
As August 2025 approaches, analysts are watching whether U.S. airstrike policy will expand to include increased support for Somali-led ground operations, or if continued emphasis on aerial counter‑ISIS action will remain the strategic centerpiece.
The evolving insurgent landscape—especially ISIS‑Somalia’s growth and adaptability—may shape U.S. and Somali responses in the second half of 2025.