In a significant show of force, US President Donald Trump has ordered a series of airstrikes targeting Islamic State (IS) militants in Somalia’s Bari region. The strikes, carried out in the Golis Mountains, reportedly resulted in the deaths of multiple militants, including a senior IS attack planner. The Pentagon, in its initial assessment, confirmed that no civilians were harmed in the operation.

This military action underscores Trump’s commitment to an aggressive counterterrorism strategy, signaling a return to direct engagement in Africa’s ongoing fight against jihadist groups. His administration framed the strikes as a decisive response to threats against the United States and its allies, reinforcing Trump’s image as a leader willing to take swift military action against adversaries.

Trump’s announcement on social media emphasized his resolve in dealing with terrorist threats. “These killers, who we found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and our allies,” he declared on February 1. “The strikes destroyed the caves they lived in and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians.”

In his statement on Truth Social and X (formerly Twitter), Trump also criticized his predecessor, Joe Biden, for not taking decisive action against Islamic State elements in Somalia. “I did it! The message to ISIS and all others who would attack Americans is clear: ‘WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!’” Trump declared.

The Pentagon echoed this sentiment, stating that the operation significantly degraded the Islamic........

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