U.S. forces launched airstrikes in Somalia on Saturday, targeting a senior Islamic State attack planner along with other members of the militant group, resulting in the deaths of many militants, according to former President Donald Trump. In a statement posted on Truth Social, Trump said, "These killers, who we found hiding in caves, threatened the United States and our Allies. The strikes destroyed the caves they live in and killed many terrorists without, in any way, harming civilians."

The airstrikes were carried out in the Golis Mountains, and according to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, an initial assessment indicated that many militants were killed in the operation. Hegseth also confirmed that no civilians were harmed during the strikes. However, Reuters reported that it could not independently verify these details.

The Somali president's office confirmed that President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had been informed of the airstrikes. In a post on X, President Mohamud expressed his deep gratitude for the continued support of the United States in the fight against terrorism, stating, "Your bold and decisive leadership, Mr. President, in counterterrorism efforts is highly valued and welcomed in Somalia."

The Information Minister for Puntland state in northern Somalia, Mohamud Aidid Dirir, provided further details, stating that the U.S. strikes targeted Islamic State bases located in the Cal Miskaad Mountains, which are part of the Golis mountain range. "The number of casualties is still unknown as it was dark. But our forces on the frontline could hear the sound of explosions," Dirir told Reuters.

Secretary of Defense Hegseth emphasized that the strikes significantly degraded the Islamic State's ability to plan and execute attacks that pose threats to the United States, its allies, and innocent civilians. He stated, "(It) sends a clear signal that the United States always stands ready to find and eliminate terrorists who threaten the United States and our allies, even as we conduct robust border-protection and many other operations under President Trump's leadership."

The United States has a long history of conducting airstrikes in Somalia, targeting various militant groups, including the Islamic State and Al-Shabaab. These operations have been carried out periodically under both Republican and Democratic administrations, reflecting the ongoing U.S. commitment to counterterrorism efforts in the region.