US Military Bombs Islamic State Strongholds in Somalia
US AFRICOM Strikes Islamic State Positions in Somalia
Troops of the US Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted strikes on positions held by the Islamic State terrorist group in Somalia on March 29. The operation, coordinated with the Somali government, targeted Islamic State positions southeast of Bosaso in Puntland.
According to AFRICOM, the militants posed a threat to US military personnel in the region. Specific details of the operation were not disclosed at this time.
Prior to the military operation, Somalia’s government had reportedly offered the US “exclusive operational control” over strategic ports on the Gulf of Aden. In a letter addressed to US President Donald Trump, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia proposed providing the US with access to key assets, including the Berbera port and airbase in Somaliland, as well as the Bosaso port and airbase in Puntland.
It is important to note that the assets mentioned in the letter are currently not under the control of Somalia’s federal government, raising questions about the feasibility and implementation of the proposed arrangement.
The US AFRICOM’s recent strikes in Somalia reflect the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and safeguard the stability and security of the region. Further developments in the situation are awaited as the situation continues to evolve.
