The U.S. military conducted 124 airstrikes in Somalia in 2025 against ISIS-Somalia and al-Shabab targets, a significant increase from 10 strikes in 2024, with 26 additional strikes carried out in the first month of 2026.
U.S. Africa Command, led by U.S. Army Lt. Gen. John Brennan, has described these operations as targeting terrorist networks affiliated with ISIS and al Qaeda that pose threats to the United States and Europe. The U.S. is working with Somali partners and regional allies, including Kenya and Ethiopia, to conduct these operations.
The United States provides intelligence, surveillance, and airpower support to prevent Somalia from becoming a base for terrorist organizations. The increased tempo of strikes represents a shift in U.S. military operations in the region compared to the previous year.
Aggressive Campaign Targets Terrorist Networks
Brennan, a seasoned Special Forces veteran with battle scars from Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan, didn’t mince words when describing the stakes. “There are ISIS-inspired threats. They plot against the United States homeland as well as Europe,” he told Fox News Digital, underscoring the need for relentless pressure. His point hits hard: playing defense at home isn’t enough when the enemy is scheming abroad.
The focus has shifted from the Middle East to Africa, with Somalia emerging as a critical battleground. Brennan identified Abdulqadir Mumin, the Somali-born global ISIS leader, as directing operations from the Golis Mountains, orchestrating terror plots reaching as far as the U.S. and the Far East. This isn’t just a local problem; it’s a global menace with American blood in its sights.
President Trump’s stance on this couldn’t be clearer, as he declared on Truth Social in February 2025, “WE WILL FIND YOU, AND WE WILL KILL YOU!” His no-nonsense approach resonates with those tired of half-measures and political correctness in the face of pure evil. When asked if U.S. forces are hunting Mumin, Brennan confirmed they are, signaling a hunt with no safe harbor for terrorists.
Somali Partners Reclaim Territory
On the ground, the Puntland Defense Forces, backed by U.S. intelligence and airstrikes, have reclaimed over half the territory once held by ISIS-Somalia in Puntland, an autonomous northeastern region. Brennan noted their success in capturing operatives and materials, a testament to what focused partnerships can achieve. This isn’t charity; it’s a strategic investment in our own security.
Meanwhile, al-Shabab, the al Qaeda affiliate in southern Somalia, remains a persistent thorn, coordinating with the Houthis and aiming to seize Mogadishu for a caliphate. Brennan described them as the most robust and well-funded arm of al Qaeda globally, a reminder that complacency isn’t an option. Their threat may be less external for now, but their ambition is a ticking time bomb.
The U.S. role in 2026 has evolved to a “remote advise and assist” model, with Somali troops often using their own vehicles while occasionally hitching a ride on U.S. helicopters for raids. Advanced tools let them see real-time intelligence on chest-mounted maps, ensuring precision in their fight. This isn’t micromanaging; it’s empowering allies to carry the load.
Regional Allies Share the Burden
Ambassador Robert Scott, a senior diplomat with AFRICOM since 2023, highlighted the burden-sharing with regional players like Somaliland, Puntland, and Jubaland. Their willingness to confront both ISIS and al-Shabab has proven effective, reducing the strain on American forces. This coalition approach is what smart power looks like, not unilateral overreach.
Beyond security, Brennan pointed to Somalia’s untapped potential, from critical minerals to liquefied natural gas off Mogadishu’s coast, resources that Somalis haven’t benefited from due to instability. He argued that U.S. private-sector investment could be a game-changer, securing both economic and strategic wins. Why let adversaries exploit these riches while we hesitate?
The left might wring their hands over “imperialism” or endless wars, but the truth is, ignoring Somalia hands victory to those plotting against us. If terrorists have time to scheme, as Brennan warned, attacks happen; keep them running, and they falter. This isn’t about ideology; it’s about survival.
Future Stability Hangs in Balance
The ultimate goal, as Brennan sees it, is to see ISIS-Somalia eradicated if Puntland forces sustain their momentum. That’s not just a military win; it’s a signal to every jihadist network watching. America doesn’t back down when its people are targeted.
With 9/11’s lessons still fresh, the “away game” strategy Brennan champions has thwarted countless plots by keeping the fight overseas. Critics who demand withdrawal forget that retreat emboldens enemies, inviting the next catastrophe. Strength, not apologies, is what keeps us safe.
As operations intensify, the message from Trump and military leaders is unmistakable: threats to America will be met with unwavering resolve. Somalia may be far from our shores, but the danger it harbors is all too close. Let’s hope this aggressive push reminds the world that America protects its own, no matter the distance.
