These strikes were prompted by a recent attack inspired by the Islamic State in New Orleans and concerns about the group's resurgence in Syria.

In January 2025, Somali security forces launched an offensive against IS positions, coinciding with reports of fighters from Iraq and Syria joining the group.

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud praised the operation, highlighting the strong security partnership between the U.S. and Somalia in combating extremism.

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth reported that initial assessments indicated multiple operatives were killed with no civilian casualties.

Despite military pressure, the Islamic State continues to recruit and expand its influence in Somalia, with estimates of its militant numbers in the hundreds.

The Islamic State affiliate in Somalia, which emerged in 2015 from a split with al-Shabaab, is primarily active in Puntland and is led by Abdulqadir Mumin.

Mumin is recognized as a key figure controlling the group's international network and has survived past U.S. military strikes.

The Pentagon's counter-terrorism strategy in Africa faces challenges, particularly after the U.S. military withdrew from key bases in Chad and Niger.

Somalia has been engaged in a long-standing struggle against Islamist groups, with both IS and al-Shabaab conducting numerous terrorist attacks.

IS gained international prominence during the 2010s, primarily in Syria and Iraq, but is now mostly active in parts of Africa.

Donald Trump announced military airstrikes targeting a senior Islamic State (IS) attack planner and other operatives in Somalia.

The operation was coordinated with American forces and aimed at high-ranking IS leaders, although specific details were not disclosed.