US Strikes Kill Key ISIL Figures in Puntland, Somalia

The Government of Somalia’s semi-autonomous Puntland region has confirmed on February 2 that recent US military strikes in the Golis Mountains have successfully killed key figures of the ISIL (ISIS) group.
These airstrikes were authorized by US President Donald Trump, who announced that they targeted a senior ISIL attack planner and other terrorists in the region. The strikes, which took place on Saturday, are part of ongoing efforts to disrupt ISIL’s operations in Somalia, a country where the group has maintained a limited but growing presence.
The Puntland region has been a focal point for US and local counterterrorism operations since December, as the Puntland Security Forces (PSF) have been engaged in combat against ISIL forces in the Golis Mountains. The US military’s involveme nt is seen as a strategic move to degrade ISIL’s ability to carry out attacks. According to the regional government, the strikes have significantly advanced their operations, marking a critical step in the second phase of the campaign against the group. While the number of casualties remains uncertain, the attack is considered a significant blow to ISIL’s command structure in the region.
Although ISIL’s presence in Somalia is overshadowed by the more dominant al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab, the group has been linked to a series of attacks, including extortion, smuggling, and illicit taxation in coastal areas. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud expressed his gratitude to the United States for its support in combating terrorism, describing the actions as a vital part of their shared fight. Despite facing significant counterterrorism pressure, ISIL continues to seek to expand its influence in Somalia, both in remote areas and urban centres.