Trump ordered airstrikes reportedly kill Islamic State leader in Somalia and other terrorists
President Donald Trump announced on Saturday that he had ordered military airstrikes in Somalia, targeting a senior ISIS attack planner and other terrorists recruited by the planner. The decision to launch the strikes came in response to a recent ISIS-inspired attack in New Orleans, where a terrorist killed 14 people and injured dozens by driving a truck into New Year’s Eve revelers.
In a statement on Truth Social, Trump emphasized that the targeted terrorists posed a threat to the United States and its allies. He highlighted the successful destruction of the caves where the terrorists were hiding, reassuring the public that no civilians were harmed in the operation.
Trump also took aim at the previous administration, accusing President Biden and his administration of failing to act swiftly against the ISIS attack planner. He underscored his commitment to tracking down and eliminating terrorists who pose a threat to Americans, sending a clear message to ISIS and other potential attackers.
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth provided additional details on the airstrikes, explaining that they were carried out by U.S. Africa Command in collaboration with the Somali government. Hegseth praised the operation for degrading ISIS’s ability to plan and execute terrorist attacks, emphasizing that multiple operatives were killed without any civilian casualties.
The Somali government welcomed the strikes, with an official affirming Somalia’s commitment to preventing the country from becoming a safe haven for terrorists. The impact of the airstrikes is still being assessed, but the official expressed gratitude for the U.S.’s continued support in combating terrorism.
The United States has a history of conducting airstrikes in Somalia to target terrorist groups like ISIS. Last year, a similar strike against Islamic State militants resulted in the deaths of three group members. These operations serve as a crucial component of the U.S.’s counterterrorism efforts, demonstrating its readiness to confront and eliminate threats to national security.
In conclusion, the military airstrikes in Somalia underscore the Trump administration’s commitment to protecting Americans and their allies from terrorist threats. The successful operation reflects the U.S.’s unwavering dedication to combating terrorism both at home and abroad.
