BOSASO, Somalia – The U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed conducting a collective self-defense airstrike against ISIS-Somalia southeast of Bosaso on April 1, 2025, at the request of the Federal Government of Somalia. AFRICOM reports that multiple ISIS-Somalia combatants were killed, with no civilian casualties.
However, one detail in the official statement challenges claims by Puntland authorities that the U.S. collaborates directly with the regional administration for counterterrorism efforts. AFRICOM’s announcement clarifies that all U.S. military support in Somalia, including airstrikes, is coordinated exclusively through the Federal Government in Mogadishu, emphasizing the central government’s lead role in international security cooperation.
AFRICOM added that ISIS-Somalia has the will and capability to threaten U.S. national security interests. The command underscored its commitment to continue working alongside Somali authorities and the Somali Armed Forces to disrupt ISIS-Somalia’s operations. Specific details about the military units or assets involved were not released for operational security reasons.
