In coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) conducted airstrikes targeting ISIS-Somalia on Nov. 26-28, 2025. The airstrikes occurred in the vicinity of the Golis Mountains, approximately 60 km southeast of Bossaso. AFRICOM, alongside the Federal Government of Somalia and Somali Armed Forces, continues to take action to degrade ISIS-Somalia's ability to threaten the U.S. Homeland, our forces, and our citizens abroad. Specific details about units and assets will not be released to ensure continued operations security.

Baallade, Puntland – U.S. Special Operations Forces, together with Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces, launched a direct raid in Baallade Valley. The action featured ground and aerial engagements against ISIS militants in the Al-Miskaad mountains. US Africa Command reported that the operation targeting HabarBajuuke cave in Ballade Valley involved support from 10 helicopters. These initiated an assault on a major cave in the Ballade region of the Al-Miskaad mountain range. Troops landed on the ground and completed the mission after clashes between U.S. personnel and IS-Somalia members. This represented the initial U.S. operation within Puntland. The raid resulted in the capture of several prisoners and the elimination of prominent IS-Somalia leaders. Lasting several hours, the effort featured U.S. ground support for Puntland forces during a precisely coordinated attack on militant sites, according to officials. “High-value ISIS targets in the Al-Miskaad area were hit during a combined air and ground operation by Puntland’s U.S. partners aiding the continuing effort,” stated the Puntland Counter-Terrorism Forces. Early accounts show a substantial number of ISIS fighters killed and others detained in the raid. More precise information on the operation will be forthcoming, the military added in its statement. The Al-Miskaad mountains have served as the focal point for ongoing military actions in Puntland, where numerous fighters have been killed over the past year. Many foreign terrorists have surrendered or been detained amid the intensified campaign. US President Donald Trump revealed in February an early operation in the Al-Miskaad mountains and committed to collaborating with local officials against the group. The US maintains a strong alliance with Somalia in counter-terrorism efforts.

US ramps up airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Somalia The United States military in Africa has increased airstrikes against Islamic State militants in the semiautonomous Puntland state of Somalia. The US Africa Command carried out 59 airstrikes against ISIS this year, a record. Airstrikes against the group in previous years were limited to a few. The total number of strikes the US carried out throughout Somalia so far this year is 101 - the remaining 42 targeted the al-Shabab group. The U.S. carryout at least eight strikes this month alone including the last strike on Tuesday, targeted IS militants in the Golis Mountains where local Puntland forces have been fighting for almost a year against Daesh.

Garowe (KAAB TV) – U.S. Special Forces, in coordination with Puntland counter-terrorism units, have launched a major joint operation targeting an ISIS stronghold in Somalia’s Balade Valley. Security sources reported Wednesday that dozens of American troops were inserted into the area aboard MH-60 helicopters, while MQ-9 Reaper drones executed precision strikes on a compound believed to house 10–15 ISIS militants in the Habarbakuuje and Mareero areas of the valley. The assault sparked a fierce gun battle lasting between two and four hours at a heavily fortified hideout thought to shelter foreign fighters from Syria, Turkey, and Ethiopia. Initial assessments indicate that a senior ISIS commander and several aides were killed, with an estimated 5–10 confirmed militant fatalities. Joint forces also destroyed a weapons cache and equipment used in ISIS-run gold-mining operations — a key financial lifeline for the group in Puntland. The Puntland administration has reiterated its goal of eliminating ISIS from the region by the end of 2025. The United States continues to support Puntland with intelligence and targeted airstrikes in the region’s mountainous terrain, pressure that has forced ISIS militants to abandon several positions and retreat into more isolated hideouts.