Somali, U.S. forces conduct airstrike on ISIS hideout in Puntland

Somali military forces, working with U.S. Africa Command, launched an airstrike targeting ISIS militants hiding in the Al-Miskaat Mountains in the Bari region of Puntland, Somalia.

The Somali Ministry of Information said Sunday that the strikes occurred on the evenings of Feb. 21 and Feb. 22, 2025, as part of efforts to support Puntland forces in eliminating the last remnants of ISIS. Initial reports indicate that three ISIS fighters were killed, and no civilians were harmed.

In cooperation with U.S. Africa Command, the Somali federal government said it will continue to assess the operation’s progress and update the public on further developments.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced the formation of a special committee to coordinate federal support for Puntland’s fight against ISIS. The move marks a strong show of solidarity from Mogadishu in the region’s ongoing battle against the extremist group.

At the opening session of the Somali Parliament on Saturday, Mohamud stressed the government’s duty to support Puntland. He said federal authorities must ensure that essential resources reach frontline areas where local security forces are engaged in heavy fighting with ISIS-linked militants.