US forces carry out airstrikes in Somalia
US forces conducted a new series of airstrikes targeting extremist groups, ISIS-Somalia, in the neighbouring country.
In a statement on Saturday, April 19, 2025, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed the operations that occurred southeast of Bosasso, Puntland, in Northeastern Somalia.
According to AFRICOM, the airstrikes were unleashed on Friday, April 18, 2025, following a request from Somalia’s government.
“At the request of the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted a collective self-defence airstrike against ISIS-Somalia on April 18, 2025.
“The airstrike occurred southeast of Bosasso, Puntland, in Northeastern Somalia,” the statement read in part.
Degrade ISIS-Somalia
With reports of extremist insurgency, President Donald Trump’s administration vowed to clamp down on the said group.
AFRICOM noted that the terrorist groups pose a danger to US nationals, and if not stopped, they threaten to extend their operations outside Somalia’s borders.
However, the US did not immediately reveal the damage caused by the airstrike.
“AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia’s ability to plan and conduct attacks that threaten the U.S. homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad,” the statement read in part.
“Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.”
President’s convoy attack
The airstrike comes days after Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud was targeted in a bomb attack on his motorcade as it was travelling through the capital, Mogadishu.
The March 18, 2025, incident attracted concern, with the United Nations and European Union condemning the attack.
“The European Union strongly condemns yesterday’s terrorist attack in Mogadishu, which targeted the convoy of the President of the Federal Republic of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud. We are dismayed by this heinous act that has claimed the lives of innocent civilians,” EU’s report read in part
“The EU commends President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who has reached the frontlines to support the Somali National Army in its efforts to fight al-Shabaab.”
Kenya’s take
With the increasing threat outside Kenya’s borders, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi recently said that Kenya is committed to ending conflicts in the region.
Somalia, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo have been embroiled in political turmoil, and Mudavadi, who is also the Foreign Affairs CS, said Kenya is concerned by these conflicts.
“We also reviewed ongoing conflicts in Somalia, South Sudan, and the DRC, which have caused immense suffering across the region. Our shared commitment to regional peace and security remains firm,” he said.
