US dramatically escalates Somalia airstrikes as Trump admin targets ISIS, al Qaeda terrorists

U.S.forces conclude operation targeting ISIS in Somalia.Aug, 2025.(Hannah Kantner/AFRICOM)

In August, AFRICOM stated that they carried outmultiple airstrikes against ISIS fighters, with AFRICOM Commander Gen.Dagvin Anderson saying, “these lethal strikes demonstrate our resolve and commitment to ensuring Americans and our partners remain safe from the threat of global terrorism.” The general continued that the strikes were aimed “against an organization that wishes to export their terror to the U.S.and our allies.”

U.S.aircraft launching from an aircraft carrier were shown in official photographs accompanying the media statement about the attacks.

�The U.S.focus on [ISIS] in Puntland is partially driven by the goal of preventing another international [ISIS] “safe haven” from emerging, as well as the potential threat from ISIS-Somalia’s recruitment of foreign fighters.”

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He continued, “However, the imbalance has led to growing concerns that the international response may be lagging behind the pace of al-Shabab’s resurgence in central and southern Somalia.Al-Shabab has leveraged this shifting international focus to reconsolidate its areas of operations.The group’s advances have taken place against a backdrop of Somalia’s increasingly fragmented domestic political landscape.Ongoing power struggles between the FGS (Federal Government of Somalia) and member states like Puntland and Jubaland have undermined coordination and counterterrorism efforts.”

In May, AFRICOM’s then Commander,Gen.Michael E.Langley, referring to strikes in Somalia, told Air &Space Forces Magazine, “the U.S.is actively pursuing and eliminating jihadists.”