Trump orders strikes on IS targets in Somalia

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US President Donald Trump stated that he authorized military airstrikes targeting a high-ranking "Islamic State" planner and other Islamic State operatives in Somalia on Saturday.

These terrorists, who we found in hiding, posed a threat to the United States and its allies," Trump said on Truth Social. "The attacks targeted the caves where they resided, resulting in the deaths of many terrorists without putting any civilians in harm's way.

Operations supported by the government of Somalia.

The strikes took place in the Golis Mountains, a mountain range along the northern coast of the Somali Peninsula, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated, noting that the operation was carried out in coordination with Somalia's government.

A high-ranking official in Somali president's office, who wished to remain anonymous and was cited by Reuters, stated that Somalia's government supported the strikes.

"There can't be a safe haven for terrorists in Somalia," said the official.

Later on Saturday, the office of Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud announced that the president "was informed of the U.S. military strike targeting top ISIS leaders in northern Somalia that evening."

He extends gratitude to the United States for its unwavering support in the fight against international terrorism and welcomes the ongoing commitment, under the effective leadership of President Donald Trump.

This latest operation underscores the strong partnership between the United States and Somalia in fighting extremism. Somalia remains committed to cooperating with its allies to root out international terrorism and maintain regional stability.

The Pentagon's initial review showed "several" operatives were killed in the operation. The Pentagon also reported that no civilian casualties occurred in the airstrikes.

jsi/wd (AFP, Reuters, AP)