WASHINGTON – U.S. military activity in Somalia has seen a dramatic escalation this year, with airstrikes increasing more than tenfold under the Trump administration compared to figures from 2024.
U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed on Friday that American forces have carried out over 100 airstrikes in the region so far in 2025—a sharp contrast to the 10 missions recorded under President Biden the previous year.
The surge in operational tempo was highlighted by a significant engagement on Tuesday in the Golis Mountains of Puntland. AFRICOM confirmed a coordinated airstrike targeting ISIS-Somalia elements approximately 66 km southeast of Bossaso.
While officials stated the operation was conducted in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia to degrade terror networks, accounts from the ground paint a more chaotic picture.
Local sources say that heavy engagement involving MQ-9 Reaper drones and helicopters, with some reports alleging a four-hour gun battle and the presence of U.S. troops on the ground near a cave complex.
