MOGADISHU, (HAN) – The United States has announced an airstrike targeting ISIS militants in the Calmiskaad Mountains of Somalia’s Bari region, where the group has recently been active in the Golis mountain range.
A statement from the United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) confirmed that the strike specifically targeted ISIS fighters, though details on casualties have not yet been released.
“This strike is part of ongoing operations aimed at degrading the capabilities of terrorist groups while supporting regional security,” the AFRICOM statement said.
In recent years, ISIS has established strongholds in the Golis Mountains, located between the Bari and Sanaag regions. The rugged terrain has provided militants with safe havens to plan attacks against civilians and government forces.
AFRICOM regularly conducts air operations in Somalia against terrorist organizations, particularly Al-Shabaab and ISIS. The U.S. command emphasized that these strikes are focused on armed groups and are not aimed at civilians.
Repeated attacks on terrorist positions in the Golis Mountains have raised concerns among local residents, many of whom have been displaced by ongoing violence, which continues to disrupt security and daily life in Bari.
While these operations degrade the militants’ capabilities, security analysts warn that the threat from ISIS and Al-Shabaab will persist unless the Somali Federal Government and international partners implement comprehensive measures to strengthen local security and provide essential community services.
