US Africom conducts airstrikes on Islamic State-Somalia targets in Puntland
No reports of civilian casualties
In a coordinated effort with the Federal Government of Somalia, US Africa Command (Africom) carried out an airstrike on multiple Islamic State (IS)-Somalia targets on March 29, 2025. The airstrike occurred southeast of Bosasso, situated in Puntland, Northeastern Somalia.
According to Africom’s initial assessment, several IS-Somalia operatives were killed in the strike, with no reports of civilian casualties. The operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat the terrorist group, which has repeatedly demonstrated its ability and intent to launch attacks against US and allied forces. The actions of IS-Somalia pose a significant threat to US security interests, both in Africa and globally, according to an Africom statement.
Africom has not released specific details of the airstrike to ensure the security of ongoing military operations.
A key priority for Africom is supporting African partners in their efforts to maintain regional security and stability. In doing so, Africom helps create conditions that enable African governments to serve their citizens, foster economic prosperity, and promote shared US and African priorities.
Through a comprehensive approach, which includes security cooperation, training, and capacity-building programmes, Africom strengthens the ability of local forces to combat extremism.
While the majority of the command’s focus lies on engagement and fostering relationships that support a secure and prosperous Africa, operational actions like airstrikes are also crucial tools in the fight against violent extremist organisations (VEOs).
Africom works closely with African partners at the forefront of the battle against terrorism and extremism. These partners are viewed as the first, and best, line of defence against such threats.
The threat posed by VEOs in Africa continues to grow and has far-reaching implications, not just for African nations, but for the US and its global allies. Africom remains committed to protecting shared interests and supporting efforts to counter these violent extremists.
The operational actions aimed to give partner forces the necessary advantage to conduct successful counterterrorism missions while also ensuring that governments can adequately provide for the well-being of their citizens.
Despite the aggressive approach, Africom has made clear that it takes extensive measures to mitigate the risk to civilians during operations. The command strictly adheres to the Law of Armed Conflict principles, aiming to minimise harm to non-combatants during military engagements.
Image: A key priority for US Africa Command (Africom) is supporting African partners to maintain regional security and stability. Credit: US Africom
