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The United States conducted precision airstrikes targeting ISIS militants entrenched in Puntland State, northeastern Somalia, on March 25, 2025, delivering a significant blow to the extremist group’s operations in the region. The strikes, carried out as part of an ongoing counterterrorism campaign, hit key positions in the Al-Miskaad mountain range near the Miraale Valley, a known ISIS stronghold, and eliminated multiple operatives without harming civilians.
According to U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), the operation was coordinated with the Puntland security forces and the Somali federal government. A spokesperson for AFRICOM described the strikes as a critical step in dismantling ISIS’s infrastructure and disrupting its activities. “These airstrikes targeted operational sites that were used for planning and launching attacks. Our assessment indicates that they were successful in degrading ISIS’s capabilities in the region,” AFRICOM stated.
ISIS-Somalia has grown in influence since its formation in 2015 as a splinter faction of Al-Shabaab. The group’s foothold in Puntland’s rugged terrain has allowed it to evade security forces and establish bases for training and recruitment. Officials reported that the targeted sites contained weapons stockpiles, fortified bunkers, and drones used by the militants to conduct operations. The destruction of these resources marks a major setback for the group’s ambitions in Somalia.
Puntland’s Defense Forces, under the command of Major General Abdirahman Mohamud, launched follow-up ground operations to sweep the area and recover additional intelligence. Security officials confirmed the discovery of foreign passports among the militants, underscoring ISIS’s ability to attract international fighters to its ranks. “This collaboration between Puntland and the U.S. has sent a strong message that there’s no safe haven for terrorists in our region,” General Mohamud said.
The airstrikes come at a critical time, as ISIS attempts to expand its presence in Puntland following losses elsewhere in Somalia. The group has been linked to a series of deadly attacks, including ambushes on security personnel and bombings targeting civilians. Recent reports indicate that ISIS militants were regrouping in the Miraale Valley, using the area as a hub to coordinate operations across the Horn of Africa.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised the successful operation and reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating extremist threats. “The Somali people deserve peace and stability, and we are determined to achieve this by working with our partners to counter the scourge of terrorism,” the president stated. Puntland President Said Abdullahi Deni echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of international support in defeating ISIS.
The international community has welcomed the airstrikes, with the United Nations and African Union expressing support for Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts. Analysts have stressed the need for sustained collaboration to address the root causes of extremism, including poverty, unemployment, and weak governance. Strengthening local institutions and providing economic opportunities are seen as critical components of Somalia’s path to stability.
While the airstrikes and subsequent operations have dealt a blow to ISIS, challenges remain. Puntland’s remote and mountainous terrain continues to provide cover for the group, making it difficult for security forces to maintain control. Additionally, the presence of foreign fighters in ISIS-controlled areas underscores the group’s resilience and ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
As Puntland intensifies its campaign against ISIS, the focus remains on dismantling the group’s infrastructure and ensuring the safety of civilians. The successful airstrikes demonstrate the power of coordinated efforts in combating terrorism, but the road to peace requires continued vigilance and collaboration.