Bosaso, Somalia — U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) said Tuesday it carried out an airstrike targeting ISIS fighters in northeastern Somalia, as counterterrorism operations continue in the rugged mountains of Puntland’s Bari region.
In a statement, AFRICOM said the strike occurred about 70 kilometers (43 miles) southeast of Bosaso in areas identified as Togga Baallade and the Al-Miskaad mountain range, where ISIS-Somalia has established hideouts.
The U.S. military said the operation was conducted in coordination with the Somali federal government and Somali security forces. According to AFRICOM, the objective was to degrade ISIS’ operational capabilities and reduce threats to U.S. personnel, interests and allies.
“Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operational security,” the statement said.
ISIS-Somalia, a smaller but increasingly active offshoot of the Islamic State group, operates primarily in the mountainous terrain of Puntland, where it has clashed with regional security forces in recent years.
The airstrike comes as Puntland authorities have reportedly adjusted their ground operations in the area. Regional officials say some ISIS fighters are believed to be trapped in mountainous positions after supply routes were disrupted.
Puntland security sources say the group had relied on clandestine networks to smuggle food and livestock into remote encampments.
The United States has periodically conducted airstrikes in Somalia against both ISIS and al-Shabab, the al-Qaida-linked militant group that remains the country’s most dominant insurgent force.
