Overview

• President Donald Trump confirmed U.S. airstrikes against Islamic State (IS) targets in Somalia's Golis Mountains, located in the Puntland region.
• Trump stated that the operation targeted a high-ranking IS member responsible for organizing attacks and recruiting fighters in Somalia.
• According to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, initial assessments indicate several IS fighters were killed, with no reported civilian casualties.
• The Golis Mountains have seen an influx of IS fighters from the Middle East in recent months, intensifying regional tensions with the Al-Shabaab militant group.
• The U.S. has conducted similar strikes against Islamist militants in Somalia before, though these operations are rarely publicized to this extent.