By Mustafa Omar | 2025-04-07

US forces conducted precision airstrikes against "Islamic State of Iraq and Syria" (ISIS) targets in Somalia's northern cave network in a joint operation March 25, delivering a significant blow to the group's regional operations, analysts said.

The Pentagon confirmed multiple ISIS casualties in the operation, which targeted the group's leadership positions in the Puntland region's al-Miskad mountains.

"At least 100 ISIS fighters were killed," Puntland State Minister of Information Mohamud Aideed Dirir said in a statement circulated on social media.

The group was keen to conceal its casualties "so as not to affect the morale of its fighters," he said, noting that foreign fighters were among the dead.

The joint operation, carried out in coordination with the Somali government, enabled Somali forces to reclaim approximately 300 sq km of previously ISIS-controlled territory, he added.

The coordinated assault led to "the dismantlement of 50 ISIS camps," Somali affairs expert Abdi Guled told Al-Fassel.

Following the March 25 operation, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted two additional airstrikes against ISIS targets near Bosaso in northeastern Somalia.

The March 29 and April 1 strikes, carried out at the request of the Somali government, killed multiple ISIS operatives, according to AFRICOM.

Ordered by US President Donald Trump as part of ongoing counterterrorism operations that began in February, the strikes reflect the administration's firm stance against terrorist groups in the Horn of Africa, the analysts said.

"The recent strikes targeting ISIS in the al-Miskad and Golis mountains in northeastern Somalia directly hit the group's leadership and supply routes, degrading its ability to command, control and coordinate attacks," Guled said.

"They also hampered its recruitment, propaganda and fundraising efforts."

Sustained pressure needed

Jordanian researcher Islam Abdullah, who studies extremist groups, highlighted the operations' significance in the broader fight against ISIS.

"Previous efforts led by the United States, in coordination with local and regional allies, to confront ISIS in Iraq and Syria, have taught us that defeating the terrorist group is very possible through military pressure," Abdullah said.

"The United States is today succeeding using this same method in Somalia and the Horn of Africa."

"The latest US strikes significantly helped Somalia by neutralizing some of the terrorist group's leaders and severely limiting its operations," Abdullah added. "Continued efforts will help reclaim more territory from ISIS."

ISIS maintains a limited presence in Somalia, though experts warn of growing activity in the East African nation, AFP reported.

Despite the operations' success in weakening ISIS's regional capabilities, vigilance remains essential, Guled said, noting that "ongoing sustained pressure is necessary to prevent any resurgence in the region."