The United States military says it has carried out an airstrike against Islamic State (ISIS) militants in northeastern Somalia, as part of ongoing efforts to disrupt the group’s activities.
US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said the strike took place on 16 March 2026 near the Golis Mountains, about 45 kilometres southeast of the port city of Bosaso in Puntland.
In a statement, AFRICOM said it is working in coordination with the Somali federal government and national armed forces to reduce the threat posed by ISIS-Somalia.
“AFRICOM… continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia’s ability to threaten the US homeland, our forces and our citizens abroad,” the statement said.
The US military did not provide details on casualties or the extent of the damage caused. It also declined to specify the assets used in the operation, citing operational security.
The strike comes as pressure increases on ISIS fighters based in the Cal Miskaat mountains, a rugged area that has long served as a stronghold for the group.
Puntland authorities say their forces have made recent gains in efforts to dismantle ISIS positions, although the difficult terrain continues to pose challenges.
Although smaller than the al-Qaeda-linked al-Shabab group, ISIS in Somalia remains active in parts of Puntland and has carried out assassinations and bomb attacks, continuing to pose a security concern in the region.
