Trump orders airstrikes against ISIS in Somalia amid growing threat following overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad
WASHINGTON – Former U.S. President Donald Trump announced on February 2 that he had ordered airstrikes against Islamic State (ISIS) members in Somalia, citing the group’s threat to the United States and its allies.
Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Saturday, stating that the operation targeted high-ranking ISIS planners and other militants. The airstrikes reportedly destroyed caves used as hideouts and eliminated terrorists without causing civilian casualties.
This action follows recent arrests by Interpol of suspected ISIS members in East Africa, raising concerns about the group’s potential resurgence. The threat has grown following the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in December last year.
A senior Somali presidential official, speaking anonymously, confirmed the U.S. airstrikes and welcomed the action. Meanwhile, Reuters reported that security forces from Puntland, a semi-autonomous region in northeastern Somalia, have been conducting a month-long offensive against ISIS hideouts, leading to clashes and casualties on both sides. Puntland forces have reportedly secured key areas in the region. (TNA)
